Bisphosphonates offer a significant improvement in the quality of life for the cancer patients. These are important drugs that are increasingly prescribed to reduce the morbidity associated with osteoclast-mediated bone diseases. However, toxicity in the form of osteonecrosis of the jaw is a rare complication of these drugs whose incidence rate has climbed in recent years. The exact pathological mechanisms responsible for bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis (BRON) are still unclear. Nevertheless, patients taking bisphosphonates should receive prophylactic attention to maintain their oral health. Preventive measures must be taken before, during, and after treatment with bisphosphonates. The management of BRON should be symptomatic and palliative, including systemic antibiotics, control of pain, and chlorhexidine mouthwashes during long periods of time. The present review evaluates the current data related to the occurrence, risk, prevention, treatment, and management of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis.
Bisphosphonates, Osteonecrosis of jaws, chemotherapy
