Nitrogen containing bisphosphonates associated osteonecrosis of the jaws: A review for past 10 year literature

Abstract

Nitrogen containing bisphosphonate (N-BP) therapy is used extensively to treat osteoporosis

and osteolytic bone lesions. Recently, a special form of osteonecrosis limited to the maxillofacial

skeleton has been discovered especially within those patients who are receiving either long-term

N-BP therapy alone and/or associated with invasive dental procedure. Bisphosphonates accumulate

almost exclusively in maxillofacial skeleton owing to high bone turn over remodeling to maintain the

mechanical competence. The pathogenesis and why it commonly appears in maxillofacial skeleton

and the fixed treatment strategies remains unknown. The aim of this study was to improve the

clinician understanding of N-BPs associated osteonecrosis of maxillofacial skeleton by reviewing

the past 10 year literature.

Key Words:Nitrogen containing bisphosphonates, osteonecrosis of the jaw, staging and treatment strategies