Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal – A rapid review of the literature and relevance to special care dentists

Abstract

AimsThere is growing evidence that anti‐resorptive and anti‐angiogenic medications can cause medication‐related osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal (MROEAC). It is possible that patients taking risk medications may also suffer from concomitant medication ‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement. The aim of this paper is to conduct a rapid review of the literature on MROEAC, and, its relevance to special care dentists.Methods and ResultsA rapid review of the literature was carried out using PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar to identify papers relating to MROEAC. The grey literature and non‐English papers were also consulted. Overall, 19 papers were identified from 2005 until December 2022.ConclusionsPatients at risk of MRONJ may also be at risk of MROEAC and present to special care dentists. Dental/orofacial disease may cause signs and symptoms suggestive of MROEAC. It should be considered as a potential cause of orofacial pain in special care patients. MROEAC can have a significant impact on a patient's dental treatment, including access, the provision of sedation, communication difficulties, and consent issues.