Osteonecrosis of the jaws and bisphosphonates. Report of three cases

Abstract

Bisphosphonates are recently acquiring increasing relevance in the treatment of several diseases. In line with the increased use of these compounds, cases of mandibular osteonecrosis, and to a lesser extent, maxillary osteonecrosis, are being reported. This necrosis is difficult to treat in patients who usually have a previously limited quality of life. A surgical performance carried out by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, stomatologists and odontologists might lead to bone exposure. A treatment based on conservation and as harmless as possible seems to be the most advisable way of acting with these patients in order to minimize the incidence and treat the complications, once the lesions have been ascertained. We report three cases treated in our service of osteonecrosis of the jaws after exodontics. This side effect should be remembered before starting any surgical treatment in these patients.