Bisphosphonates-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw: pharmacology and clinical procedures.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a consequent condition of a variety of local and systemic factors that compromises the bone blood flow. Bisphosphonates are a class of compounds widely used for the treatment of disorders of bone metabolism, such as bone metastasis and osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw is a new complication, published for the first time at 2003, and can be defined as an unexpected necrosis development on the oral cavity in patients who received bisphosphonates and were not being treated with head and neck radiotherapy. Radiographies show radiolucent zones or sclerotic bone and, in some cases, show areas with delayed or absent bone remodeling after extraction, remain the socket cavity. The treatment can be done in accordance with the condition stage, since management of 0,12% chlorhexidine and antibiotics until laser utilization, hyperbaric oxygen, surgical debridement and resection. It is important to promote more communication between physicians and dentists to guarantee dental attention during the bisphosphonate administration, establishing oral health and preventing complications, such as osteonecrosis induced by this medication.