Association of osteonecrosis of the jaws and bisphosphonate pharmacotherapy: dental implications.

Bisphosphonates are drugs of choice in the management of a variety of bone disorders including osteoporosis, Paget's disease and bone cancer. Recently there have been increasing reports of a possible relationship between bisphosphonate therapy and osteonecrosis of the jaws. Osteonecrosis may occur following extractions or dental surgery and, in some cases, may appear spontaneously. Because of the potentially serious nature of these complications and the failure of exposed bone to heal, dentists must be aware of recommended precautions for the management of patients taking bisphosphonate medication.