[Osteonecrosis of the jaws: a secondary effect of bisphosphonates]

When treated with intravenous bisphosphonates to prevent bone resorption, 4-10% of the patients may develop osteonecrosis of the jaws a side effect. The osteonecrosis is usually preceded by an invasive dental procedure such as the removal of a tooth. Treatment of the osteonecrosis should be conservative using aseptic mouth rinses, oral antibiotics and small debridement. It seems advisable to have a dental check-up before starting using intravenous bisphosphonates, since a potential dental infections can be treated before the bone healing capacity is reduced by the bisphosphonates.