Jaw osteonecrosis after dental implants associated with oral bisphosphonates – case report of resection of mandible

Abstract

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is associated with defects in vascularization and with the use of oral bisphosphonates. Osseous exposition and infection may occur. Recommended treatment is variable, from antibiotic medication, bony decortication to resections of the mandible in severe cases. Reconstruction of mandible, in cases of resections is essential for maintaining esthetic profile and adequate form and function. Objective: To report a case about the dangers of oral bisphosphonates in association with invasive procedures such as dental implants Case report: Female patient, 64 years-old, with osteonecrosis of the jaw caused by use of oral bisphosphonates after rehabilitation with dental implants. She had an edentulous and atrophic mandible and poor healthy. After diagnosis, partial resection of the jaw was performed together with the reconstruction with titanium plate, with no success. Then, iliac bone graft fixed by plates and screws was attempted, again with no success. Conclusion: Despite of the small number of cases of osteonecrosis associated with oral bisphosphonate reported in the literature, a simple implant surgery could result in adverse consequences if the use of this medication were overlooked in the anamnesis.