Severe osteonecrosis of the jaws in a compromised patient subjected to bisphosphonate therapy

Authors

  • Juliana Dreyer Menezes Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS
  • Nicole Mello Rahde Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS
  • Fernanda Gonçalves Salum Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS
  • Maria Antonia Figueiredo Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS
  • Karen Cherubini Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS

Keywords:

osteonecrosis, bisphosphonates, bone remodeling, jaw diseases.

Abstract

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is characterized by alveolar bone exposure, especially after mucosal trauma or after surgical procedures, in patients who have previously received or who are currently receiving bisphosphonates without a history of radiation therapy in the maxillofacial region. The condition is refractory to treatment, and attempts at debridement are not completely effective in eradicating the necrotic bone. We report here a case of a severe osteonecrosis of the jaws in a 77-year-old male patient, who had been subjected to chemotherapy and treatment with zoledronic acid and corticosteroid. The patient also had comorbidities such as diabetes and periodontal disease, which might have contributed to the lesion development. Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws has become a reality in dental clinical practice. Although palliative treatment aiming at controlling pain, infection and injury progression is indicated, the therapeutic strategy is still challenging. So far, the best approach available is prevention, based on oral care before, during, and after bisphosphonate therapy.

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Author Biographies

Juliana Dreyer Menezes, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS

 

FAPERGS Scientific Initiation Fellowship, Dental College, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

 

Nicole Mello Rahde, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS

PhD., Postgraduate Program of Dental College, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

Fernanda Gonçalves Salum, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS

PhD., Postgraduate Program of Dental College, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

Maria Antonia Figueiredo, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS

PhD., Postgraduate Program of Dental College, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

Karen Cherubini, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS

PhD., Postgraduate Program of Dental College, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

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Published

2014-05-15

How to Cite

1.
Menezes JD, Rahde NM, Salum FG, Figueiredo MA, Cherubini K. Severe osteonecrosis of the jaws in a compromised patient subjected to bisphosphonate therapy. Rev Cubana Estomatol [Internet]. 2014 May 15 [cited 2025 Feb. 4];51(1):72-7. Available from: https://revestomatologia.sld.cu/index.php/est/article/view/19

Issue

Section

Case Report

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