A clinico-pathologic correlation.

ABSTRACT

Bisphosphonates (BPs) have been in clinical use for performing bone imaging, treating different metabolic bone diseases, and managing osteolysis and the hypercalcemia associated with some cancers since the late 1960s. Although these agents are extremely effective at treating these conditions, recent publications have noted a possible sequela of treatment with BPs is bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis (BRON) of the jaws. In the past few years, a great deal of attention has been paid to recognition and management of different issues surrounding patients being treated with bisphosphonates by many health care providers, including dentists and dental specialists. This article will review some of the basic principles behind bisphosphonate therapy and its side effects, and summarize the management guidelines used in BP therapy. We will also report one of the 11 cases that we have identified and managed in our clinic in the past five years.