Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: Diagnosis, treatment and management

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw is a poorly understood potential side effect that occurs in a small group of patients treated with intravenous and oral bisphosphonates, mainly after surgical dental procedures. Considering literature published up to date, no definitive consensus guidelines have been provided, and there is not an established approach to this condition. The aim of this chapter is to summarize the current knowledge about pathophisiology and incidence, define diagnostic criteria and investigate the medical and surgical treatment strategies that have been proposed so far. Since current strategies cannot assure a complete healing, particular attention must be given to prevention with the establishment of oral health before starting the bisphosphonate therapy, and periodical follow-up oral exhaminations to diagnose osteonecrotic lesions in lower stages, which require less invasive treatment.