[Bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaw]. / Bisphosphonates et ostéonécrose maxillomandibulaire.

ABSTRACT

Today, bisphosphonates are very frequently used to relieve patients suffering from various bone diseases, mainly bone metastases and osteoporosis. They have been associated with numerous cases of maxillar and mandibullar osteonecrosis, a severe affection characterized by a high morbidity and for which no consensual treatment has been found yet. After a short update, the authors reviewed indications for bisphosphonates and its pharmacological properties. The pathogenesis, predisposing factors, symptoms, and clinical evaluation of this particular necrosis are described. Preventive and therapeutic managements are suggested.