Management Of Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw Research Articles

Prevention and management of osteonecrosis of the jaw secondary to bone-targeted therapy in patients with kidney cancer.

The aim of this revision is prevention and management of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) secondary to bone-targeted therapy in patients with kidney cancer. Patients with kidney cancer treated with zoledronate suffered from ONJ earlier compared with patients with breast cancer or multiple myeloma; among men, ONJ occurred at 24 months of zoledronic acid treatment in more than 80% of the patients and much earlier, in respect to patients with prostate cancer or multiple myeloma. Protective factors against an ONJ can be sequential prescription of different bisphosphonates and female sex. Less data are available on ONJ secondary to denosumab administration in patients with kidney cancer. Bone metastases, developing in about 30% of the patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, are typically osteolytic on imaging and cause significant morbidity and poor quality of life. Incidence of skeletal-related events has been reported to reach 3.38 per year in such patients. To decrease the incidence of ONJ, a maxillofacial examination must be performed in all patients before treatment with bisphosphonates, in particular in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib alone or in association with zoledronate. The management of ONJ consider a conservative approach.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a review of the potential efficacy of low-level laser therapy.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) resulting from administration of bisphosphonates (BP) or denosumab is a rare but severe complication in cancer patients. Complete remission depends on the stage of ONJ; it can be estimated in the range of 20-30%. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a logical additional option, as it has been recognized effective for the management of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy-induced mucositis. LLLT irradiation has anti-inflammatory actions and thus can help to control pain, as well as biostimulating properties with favorable actions on bacterial control and wound healing. We review the results of seven published studies of LLLT in BP-associated ONJ. LLLT results in an overall response rate of 55% superior to that observed in controls (30%). Our review suggests that there might be an advantage to add LLLT to the "classical" management of ONJ. This therapy is easy to administer and is not associated with any known side effects. Further research is needed to remove any doubt of protection or enhancement of carcinogenic processes. We believe that prospective well-controlled studies of LLLT in ONJ are warranted. If the positive results are confirmed, it would represent a great improvement for the quality of life of many patients.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ): diagnosis and management in 2015.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) has been associated with the use of aminobisphosphonates and denosumab. The vast majority (>90%) of cases occur in the oncology patient population receiving high doses of intravenous bisphosphonates or subcutaneous denosumab. The incidence of ONJ in the osteoporosis patient population is very low and is estimated at 1-90 per 100,000 patient-years of exposure. In the oncology patient population the incidence appears to be related to dose and duration of exposure, and prevalence has been estimated to be as high as 18.6%. A number of risk factors in addition to antiresorptive therapy have been identified. These include the presence of periodontal disease, oral surgical procedures with extractions or implants, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, diabetes, glucocorticoid use, and smoking. Antiangiogenic agents appear to contribute to the risk of ONJ, however, data at this time are limited and further evidence is required prior to confirming a causal relationship. ONJ may be prevented with optimization of oral hygiene, the use of oral antimicrobial mouth rinses, as well as systemic antibiotic therapy. Individuals not responding to conservative management or in the advanced stages of ONJ may be considered for surgery, as data over the past several years have demonstrated surgical success in this patient population. Case reports have indicated that teriparatide may enhance healing. A number of experimental therapies are being evaluated and include the use of bone marrow stem cell intralesional transplantation, local application of platelet-derived growth factor, hyperbaric oxygen, tissue grafting, and low-level laser therapy. This paper summarizes the current research as well as the international consensus on the diagnosis and management of ONJ.

Bone and Calcium Metabolisms Associated with Dental and Oral-Maxillofacial Diseases. Destructive bone resorption by osteoclasts and oral disease

Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells that resorb bone, originate from monocyte-macrophage lineage cells. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by destruction of periodontal tissues including alveolar bones. Oral implant system is established average dental treatment method. However, peri-implantitis affects the convalescence. Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is also inflammatory disease associated with antiresorptive therapy of bisphosphonates. Diagnosis and management of ONJ is more important issue.

Diagnosis and management of osteonecrosis of the jaw: a systematic review and international consensus.

This work provides a systematic review of the literature from January 2003 to April 2014 pertaining to the incidence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), and offers recommendations for its management based on multidisciplinary international consensus. ONJ is associated with oncology-dose parenteral antiresorptive therapy of bisphosphonates (BP) and denosumab (Dmab). The incidence of ONJ is greatest in the oncology patient population (1% to 15%), where high doses of these medications are used at frequent intervals. In the osteoporosis patient population, the incidence of ONJ is estimated at 0.001% to 0.01%, marginally higher than the incidence in the general population (<0.001%). New insights into the pathophysiology of ONJ include antiresorptive effects of BPs and Dmab, effects of BPs on gamma delta T-cells and on monocyte and macrophage function, as well as the role of local bacterial infection, inflammation, and necrosis. Advances in imaging include the use of cone beam computerized tomography assessing cortical and cancellous architecture with lower radiation exposure, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scanning, and positron emission tomography, although plain films often suffice. Other risk factors for ONJ include glucocorticoid use, maxillary or mandibular bone surgery, poor oral hygiene, chronic inflammation, diabetes mellitus, ill-fitting dentures, as well as other drugs, including antiangiogenic agents. Prevention strategies for ONJ include elimination or stabilization of oral disease prior to initiation of antiresorptive agents, as well as maintenance of good oral hygiene. In those patients at high risk for the development of ONJ, including cancer patients receiving high-dose BP or Dmab therapy, consideration should be given to withholding antiresorptive therapy following extensive oral surgery until the surgical site heals with mature mucosal coverage. Management of ONJ is based on the stage of the disease, size of the lesions, and the presence of contributing drug therapy and comorbidity. Conservative therapy includes topical antibiotic oral rinses and systemic antibiotic therapy. Localized surgical debridement is indicated in advanced nonresponsive disease and has been successful. Early data have suggested enhanced osseous wound healing with teriparatide in those without contraindications for its use. Experimental therapy includes bone marrow stem cell intralesional transplantation, low-level laser therapy, local platelet-derived growth factor application, hyperbaric oxygen, and tissue grafting.

Concomitant factors leading to an atypical osteonecrosis of the jaw in a patient with multiple myeloma.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a site specific osseous pathology, characterized by chronic exposed bone in the mouth, which needs to be reinforced periodically within the medical literature. ONJ is a clinical entity with many possible aetiologies and its pathogenesis is not well understood. The risk factors for ONJ include bisphosphonates treatments, head and neck radiotherapy, dental procedures involving bone surgery, and trauma. Management of ONJ has centred on efforts to eliminate or reduce severity of symptoms, to slow or prevent the progression of disease, and to eradicate diseased bone. This case describes a rare case of ONJ in a 64-year-old Caucasian male diagnosed with multiple myeloma stage III. The lesion was related to a traumatic injury during mastication. Eighteen months ago in the same area the molar 37 was extracted, achieving a complete satisfactory healing, when only 2 doses of zoledronic acid had been administered. Actinomyces bacterial aggregates were also identified in the microscopic analysis. The management of this osteonecrotic lesion included antibiotic treatment and chlorhexidine topical gel administration. The evolution was monitored every two weeks until patient's death. The authors provide a discussion of the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. This case report may shed light on the controversies about concomitant factors and mechanisms inducing ONJ.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in non-malignant bone disease

Bisphosphonates such as alendronate, risedronate and zoledronate have revolutionised the treatment for osteoporosis and Paget's disease. These drugs reduce fracture risk and probably mortality in patients with osteoporosis. However, they have a long in vivo half-life following cessation and may be associated with delayed dental healing and even the devastating complication of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Extensive media attention highlighting this issue has caused much concern among patients and healthcare professionals. This paper seeks to provide treating clinicians with a balanced multi-disciplinary review of the available evidence pertaining to this issue and practical advice regarding prevention and management of ONJ.

Antiresorptives and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is an uncommon condition noted to occur in patients who are receiving osteoclast-targeted antiresorptive therapy. The incidence of ONJ in patients taking oral antiresorptives for the management of osteoporosis is low (approximately 1:100,000), whereas it is higher (∼10%) in patients taking intravenous bisphosphonates for the treatment of metastatic bone diseases. The etiology and pathophysiology of ONJ is unclear. No established preventive or treatment modalities are currently available. Although ONJ is a rare condition, it is imperative for oral care providers to have updated knowledge, as a large number of patients on antiresorptives are seeking oral care. In this comprehensive review, we focus on ONJ and bisphosphonate therapy and dissect the currently available evidence to establish a clinical approach to assess risk, preventive measures, and management of ONJ.

Lack of response to teriparatide therapy for bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw

Dear Editor, Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a serious side effect of bisphosphonate therapy. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial and seems to be the combined result of attenuated osteoblastic activity due to the patient's underlying disease and inhibition of bone resorption by bisphosphonates. This leads to defective bone remodelling and a consequent impairment in the ability to repair bone damaged by oral trauma such as dental extraction or implant or to maintain bone homeostasis (some cases occur spontaneously without associated trauma) [1]. Management of ONJ is a challenge, due to the lack of effective treatment. Recently, teriparatide was reported as an adjunctive therapy for this condition. Because teriparatide is a medication that exerts anabolic effects on bone, it has been suggested that this drug might be beneficial in situations in which bone repair must be stimulated. To date, six independent case reports have documented the efficacy of teriparatide in the management of severe bisphosphonate-related ONJ resistant to conventional therapy (Table 1) [2–7]. On the basis of this preliminary evidence, we tested teriparatide in another case of bisphosphonate-associated ONJ. The patient was a 79-year-old woman with a 3-year history of rheumatoid arthritis treated with oral methotrexate (15 mg weekly), naproxen (1 g daily), prednisone (5 mg/ daily) and rituximab (the last treatment cycle with 1 g, 2 weeks apart, had been administered 6 months previously). She also had osteoporosis treated with 1,200 mg of calcium with 800 IU of vitamin D daily and ibandronate 150 mg once monthly. After 32 months of bisphosphonate therapy, the patient developed spontaneous osteonecrosis of the right mandible, without evidence of associated osteomyelitis (Fig. 1). She was evaluated by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and treated with antiseptic mouthwashes and oral amoxicillin, since there was no indication for incision and drainage. Ibandronate was stopped and replaced by teriparatide at a dose of 20 μg per day. Unfortunately, despite treatment with teriparatide for 8 months, the patient did not present any noticeable symptomatic benefit and the mandibular osseous defect did not substantially improve on control computed tomography (Fig. 1). Previous reports [2–7] suggest that there may be a therapeutic role for teriparatide in the management of severe ONJ in patients with non-malignant skeletal disease. However, the lack of response in our case challenges this impression. J. Narvaez (*) : C. Gomez-Vaquero : J. M. Nolla Department of Rheumatology (planta 10-2), Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Feixa Llarga s/n. 08907, L Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain e-mail: fjnarvaez@bellvitgehospital.cat

Osteonecrosis of The Jaw: Dental Outcomes in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Bisphosphonates With/Without Bevacizumab

The etiology, optimal management, and outcome of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) are not well understood. Because healing after mucosal trauma requires revascularization, theoretically, the combination of bevacizumab (bev) and a bisphosphonate (BP) could affect the time to development of ONJ and/or the response to dental therapy. We reviewed all cases of ONJ in metastatic breast cancer patients treated at our institution with bev+BPs and BPs alone between October 2002 and April 2010. We identified 27 ONJ patients with a median age of 57 years (range, 40 to 68 years). Seven patients received bev+BPs; 20 patients received BPs alone. Patients received intravenous zolendronate (95%), pamidronate (20%), or both (15%). Patients were treated with antibiotics (93%), alveoplasty/debridement (67%), and chlorhexidine scrub (81%). There was no difference in dental treatment between the groups or by the year of diagnosis (before 2007 versus 2007-2010). Complete resolution (CR) was achieved in 24% of all patients; 33% treated with bev+BPs, and 21% treated with BPs alone. Rates of CR improved from 15% to 33% after 2007. The median time to response was 5.6 months (range, 1.3 to 67.5 months). The addition of bev to BPs did not appear to alter the time to development of ONJ (32.6 months versus 34.6 months, respectively). The number of BP treatments administered before the diagnosis of ONJ between bev+BPs and BPs (32 doses versus 36.5 doses) was similar. However, our sample size was too small to characterize the difference statistically. Because dental management of ONJ has not changed over time at our institute, early recognition and screening may account for the improvement in dental outcomes.

Bifosfonati: note storiche, terapie e protocolli

IntroductionFor years bisphosphonates have been used to treat osteopenic disorders and breast and prostate cancer. Along with their therapeutic effects, these drugs have also significant collateral effects, and their use has been associated with osteomyelitis and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Dentists need to be familiar with this disorder since it involves the orofacial region. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of bisphosphonates, their mechanism of action and their therapeutic applications. We also review guidelines for dentists on the prevention and management of ONJ. Materials and methodsWe reviewed articles published in English between 1999 and 2009 whose titles included the following terms: “osteonecrosis of the jaw”, “bisphosphonate”, “alendronate”, “pamidronate”, or “zolendronate”. The review included case reports of bisphosphonate-associated ONJ in adults. The data reported included patient age, sex, and medical and dental history, as well as characteristics of the bisphosphonate treatment (drug used, dose, route of administration, duration of treatment). ResultsOur research revealed that the most common site of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis is the mandible, followed by the maxilla. Most patients were women >50 years of age, and 80% of the patients had undergone dental surgery at the site of the ONJ. There was no clear correlation between the duration of bisphosphonate treatment and the development of ONJ. ConclusionsMillions of patients are receiving bisphosphonates for the treatment of osteoporosis, and ONJ is one of the most common complications observed in such patients. The typical patient with ONJ is a female, >50 years of age, with a history of dental surgery or trauma. Dentists play a primary role in the treatment of ONJ associated with the use of bisphosphonates. However, definitive conclusions on the causal relation between oral bisphosphonate use and ONJ are not possible at this time because these drugs are still being investigated and the results emerging from different studies are sometimes discordant.

The impact of bisphosphonates on oral health: lessons from the past and opportunities for the future

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a challenging medical condition seen primarily among intravenous bisphosphonate (BP) users, is characterized by exposed necrotic bone that persists for more than eight weeks. While rare among people with osteoporosis treated with oral BPs, ONJ has captured the public's attention and caused significant distress. For many, the risk-benefit scale has conceptually changed, tipping steeply toward risk, while for others the benefit of increased bone mass still outweighs the possibility of ONJ. While more than seven years have passed since the first cases were published, the scientific and medical communities are not yet ready to address with certainty the issue of causal inference, nor do they have any concrete recommendations for risk assessment or management of ONJ. Equally important, the dental literature has been skewed by the perceived risk associated with prolonged use of BPs and has neglected to explore how the antiosteoclastic activity of BPs may be utilized to improve dental outcomes. This article reviews critically the current state of knowledge about the impact of bisphosphonates on oral health. Using the principles of epidemiology, the article identifies scientific gains, research challenges, and future research opportunities on the topic.

Abstract P2-13-03: Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: Dental Outcomes in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Bisphosphonates with/without Bevacizumab at Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Abstract Background: The etiology, optimal management, and long term outcome of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is not well understood. Large trials have suggested that the combination of bevacizumab and bisphosphonates (BPs) does not significantly increase the incidence of ONJ. Because healing after mucosal trauma or dental surgery requires revascularization, it is possible that bevacizumab use could influence dental outcomes. Theoretically, the combination of bevacizumab and BPs may affect the time to development of ONJ and/or the response to dental therapy. Dental management of ONJ has not changed over time in our center, but increased recognition and screening may impact the dental outcome. Methods: We reviewed all cases of ONJ in metastatic breast cancer patients treated with BPs and with or without bevacizumab at Roswell Park Cancer Institute between October 2002 and April 2010. All patients diagnosed with ONJ discontinued BP therapy, while 3/7 (42%) continued bevacizumab until breast cancer progression. Type of BP, duration of treatment, total dose of BPs and bevacizumab dosing were recorded. All patients were treated in the department of dentistry with a combination of antibiotics, debridement, and chlorhexidine scrub. We evaluated the time to diagnosis of ONJ after the initiation of BP therapy, total dose of BP and dental treatment outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test and log-rank analysis. Results: See tables. 27 ONJ patients with a median age of 57 years (range 40-68) were analyzed. Patients were treated with zoledronic acid (95%), pamidronate (20%), or both (15%). 2 patients were excluded from dental response analysis due to lost follow up. Overall median time to ONJ treatment response was 5.0 months (range 1.3-67.5). Conclusions: The addition of bevacizumab to BP treatment did not significantly alter the time to the development of ONJ, the number of BP doses administered prior to diagnosis, or the response to dental treatment. However, ONJ response rates (complete and partial) to dental therapy have improved from 38% prior to 2007 to 58% after 2007, likely reflecting improved recognition and earlier treatment. Table.1 Time to ONJ and number of BP doses Table 2 ONJ response to dental treatments Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-13-03.

Bisphosphonate-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Pictorial Review

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is characterized by nonhealing exposed bone in the maxillofacial region in patients who have undergone bisphosphonate treatment. The underlying etiology is unclear and may be multifactorial. The diagnosis is primarily clinical. Diagnostic tissue sampling may exacerbate the process and is typically avoided, necessitating other diagnostic approaches. The appearance of ONJ at diagnostic imaging is variable and includes sclerotic, lytic, or mixed lesions with possible periosteal reaction, pathologic fractures, and extension to soft tissues. There is a spectrum of signal intensity changes on T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images with variable enhancement, findings that may correspond to the clinical and histopathologic stage of the process. Bone scintigraphy is sensitive with increased uptake in the area of the lesion. Although the imaging findings are nonspecific, there appears to be a role for imaging in the management of ONJ. Radiography is relatively insensitive but typically employed as the first line of radiologic investigation. Computed tomography and MR imaging are more precise in demonstrating the extent of the lesion. A number of imaging modalities have revealed lesions that may be associated with bisphosphonate exposure in asymptomatic individuals or in the context of nonspecific symptoms. The risk of these lesions advancing to overt clinical disease is unknown at this time. The radiologist should be aware of ONJ and include it in the differential diagnosis when evaluating patients with a history of bisphosphonate therapy without jaw irradiation, so as to avoid potentially harmful biopsies.

To the Editor

Objective Following publication of the first reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in patients receiving bisphosphonates in 2003, a call for national multidisciplinary guidelines based upon a systematic review of the current evidence was made by the Canadian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (CAOMS) in association with national and international societies concerned with ONJ. The purpose of the guidelines is to provide recommendations regarding diagnosis, identification of at-risk patients, and prevention and management strategies, based on current evidence and consensus. These guidelines were developed for medical and dental practitioners as well as for oral pathologists and related specialists. Methods The multidisciplinary task force established by the CAOMS reviewed all relevant areas of research relating to ONJ associated with bisphosphonate use and completed a systematic review of current literature. These evidence-based guidelines were developed utilizing a structured development methodology. A modified Delphi consensus process enabled consensus among the multidisci-plinary task force members. These guidelines have since been reviewed by external experts and endorsed by national and international medical, dental, oral surgery, and oral pathology societies. Results Recommendations regarding diagnosis, prevention, and management of ONJ were made following analysis of all current data pertaining to this condition. ONJ has many etiologic factors including head and neck irradiation, trauma, periodontal disease, local malignancy, chemotherapy, and glucocorticoid therapy. High-dose intravenous bisphosphonates have been identified as a risk factor for ONJ in the oncology patient population. Low-dose bisphosphonate use in patients with osteoporosis or other metabolic bone disease has not been causally linked to the development of ONJ. Prevention, staging, and treatment recommendations are based upon collective expert opinion and current data, which has been limited to case reports, case series, surveys, retrospective studies, and 2 prospective observational studies. Recommendations: In all oncology patients, a thorough dental examination including radiographs should be completed prior to the initiation of intravenous bis-phosphonate therapy. In this population, any invasive dental procedure is ideally completed prior to the initiation of high-dose bisphosphonate therapy. Non-urgent procedures are preferably delayed for 3 to 6 months following interruption of bisphosphonate therapy. Osteoporosis patients receiving oral or intravenous bisphosphonates do not require a dental examination prior to initiating therapy in the presence of appropriate dental care and good oral hygiene. Stopping smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining good oral hygiene should be emphasized for all patients receiving bisphos-phonate therapy. Individuals with established ONJ are most appropriately managed with supportive care including pain control, treatment of secondary infection, removal of necrotic debris, and mobile sequestrate. Aggressive debridement is contraindicated. Conclusion Our multidisciplinary guidelines, which provide a rational evidence-based approach to the diagnosis, prevention, and management of bisphosphonate-associated ONJ in Canada, are based on the best available published data and the opinion of national and international experts involved in the prevention and management of ONJ.

Practical Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Patients With Cancer

This article discusses osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and offers health care professionals practical guidelines and recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of ONJ in cancer patients receiving bisphosphonate treatment. A panel of experts representing oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine, endocrinology, and medical oncology was convened to review the literature and clinical evidence, identify risk factors for ONJ, and develop clinical guidelines for the prevention, early diagnosis, and multidisciplinary treatment of ONJ in patients with cancer. The guidelines are based on experience and have not been evaluated within the context of controlled clinical trials. ONJ is a clinical entity with many possible etiologies; historically identified risk factors include corticosteroids, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, trauma, infection, and cancer. With emerging concern for potential development of ONJ in patients receiving bisphosphonates, the panel recommends a dental examination before patients begin therapy with intravenous bisphosphonates. Dental treatments and procedures that require bone healing should be completed before initiating intravenous bisphosphonate therapy. Patients should be instructed on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and having regular dental assessments. For patients currently receiving bisphosphonates who require dental procedures, there is no evidence to suggest that interrupting bisphosphonate therapy will prevent or lower the risk of ONJ. Frequent clinical assessments and conservative dental management are suggested for these patients. For treatment of patients who develop ONJ, a conservative, nonsurgical approach is strongly recommended. An increased awareness of the potential risk of ONJ in patients receiving bisphosphonate therapy is needed. Close coordination between the treating physician and oral surgeon and/or a dental specialist is strongly recommended in making treatment decisions.

Practical Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Patients With Cancer

Purpose This article discusses osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and offers health care professionals practical guidelines and recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of ONJ in cancer patients receiving bisphosphonate treatment. Methods A panel of experts representing oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine, endocrinology, and medical oncology was convened to review the literature and clinical evidence, identify risk factors for ONJ, and develop clinical guidelines for the prevention, early diagnosis, and multidisciplinary treatment of ONJ in patients with cancer. The guidelines are based on experience and have not been evaluated within the context of controlled clinical trials. Results ONJ is a clinical entity with many possible etiologies; historically identified risk factors include corticosteroids, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, trauma, infection, and cancer. With emerging concern for potential development of ONJ in patients receiving bisphosphonates, the panel recommends a dental examination before patients begin therapy with intravenous bisphosphonates. Dental treatments and procedures that require bone healing should be completed before initiating intravenous bisphosphonate therapy. Patients should be instructed on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and having regular dental assessments. For patients currently receiving bisphosphonates who require dental procedures, there is no evidence to suggest that interrupting bisphosphonate therapy will prevent or lower the risk of ONJ. Frequent clinical assessments and conservative dental management are suggested for these patients. For treatment of patients who develop ONJ, a conservative, nonsurgical approach is strongly recommended. Conclusion An increased awareness of the potential risk of ONJ in patients receiving bisphosphonate therapy is needed. Close coordination between the treating physician and oral surgeon and/or a dental specialist is strongly recommended in making treatment decisions.