The characteristics of bisphosphonate patients developing bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw attending an OMFS department.

UNLABELLED: This case series considers the incidence of patients taking bisphosphonate medication that suffer with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) following an exodontia procedure. Forty five such patients who attended the Wigan Royal Albert Edward Infirmary (RAEI) Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) department for an exodontia procedure were examined. A patient's age, gender, exodontia technique, bisphosphonate route (Oral/IV), smoking status and reason for taking the bisphosphonates, eg osteoporosis/cancer/ arthritis was considered. All of the patients that experienced BRONJ were smokers.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bisphosphonates are now widely accepted for the management of medical conditions, including arthritis, osteoporosis and various forms of cancer. Such patients are regularly referred to OMFS departments for dental extractions.