Osteonecrosis associated with bisphosphonates and its relationship with dental implants - literature review

Abstract

Bisphosphonates are drugs used to treat diseases such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and bone metabolism changes that might be associated with neoplasms. These drugs have some side effects, one of them is a new complication of great interest to the dental class, namely, osteonecrosis of the jaws associated with bisphosphonates (OAB). How bisphosphonates develop such a disease is still unknown. However, the type of bisphosphonate, the treatment duration and the route of administration may have a direct relationship with the occurrence of OAB. Due to the care required by patients who use bisphosphonates and the risk of developing osteonecrosis after implant surgery, this study aims to conduct a literature review about the context of bisphosphonates in implant dentistry, as well as their mechanism of action and most common complications. As this is a recently discovered disease, there is still no consensus on the installation of dental implants in patients who have taken or are taking bisphosphonates, therefore, communication between the dental surgeon and the patient's physician is vital, so that all preventive measures are taken always aiming at the patient's well-being.