Abstract

DOTTO, Marcelo Luis  and  DOTTO, Anderson Cesar. Osteonecrosis in the jawbone induced by bisphosphonates - review of literature and case report. RFO UPF [online]. 2011, vol.16, n.2, pp. 229-233. ISSN 1413-4012.

Introduction: Bisphosphonates are drugs which are commonly used to treat osteoporosis and metastatic neoplasm in bone tissue. A strong link has recently been identified between chronic use of these drugs and the development of osteonecrosis in the jawbone, clinically characterized by bone exposure on these places. Case report: Patient aged 42 years, leukoderma, female, 8 years diagnosed with invasive breast ductal carcinoma. After four years of continuous use of bisphosphonates, it evolved with a pain in the mouth and halitosis, showing, at the clinical examination, mucosal ulceration and bone exposure in the jaw. Besides stopping the use of bisphosphonates, the treatment established was: antibiotic therapy, surgical debridement and topical measures of oral hygiene, thus there was no regression of the lesion. Final considerations: Patients with cancer are increasingly exposed to bisphosphonates due to the growing chronicity of cancer. The high level of suspicion for osteonecrosis in the jaw should be applied in everyone who uses this type of drugs. A prolonged treatment with the drug is presented as an additional risk factor. Patients undergoing appointment with dentists in order to eliminate any infectious focus. Extractions or any other traumatic procedures shall be avoided during chemotherapy. The interruption of treatment ought to be widely discussed by the involved professionals seeking to list its advantages and disadvantages. Antibiotic therapy seems to be the most effective way to control the necrotic lesions.

Keywords : Osteonecrosis.; Jaw.; Diphosphonates.; Oral manifestations..