[Diagnostic imaging of drug-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw]

Drug-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw represents a relatively new, multifactor-induced disease. Diseases with increased bone resorption are widely treated with antiresorptive drugs. Due to the active bone metabolism, especially in the lower jaw, it can lead to osteonecrosis if the barrier function in the oral cavity is impaired and it may be complicated by systemic comorbidities depending on duration, intensity, and application of antiresorptive therapy. Due to the special influence of these changes on the quality of life and because of the complex therapy management, the early detection and determination of the extent of the lesion(s) by imaging is of particular importance. The orthopantomography (panoramic radiography) of the jaw provides a good basic examination, especially for the detection of dental causes as a possible differential diagnosis. Three-dimensional imaging techniques such as computed tomography and in particular magnetic resonance imaging can detect bone changes much more sensitively and detect the manifestation of complex pathologies in higher stages of disease.