Contributors

Moderator: 

Prof. A. Markopoulos

Speakers:   

Dr. K. Pazaitou

Dr. K. Papazisis

Dr. E. Verou

Dr. E. Lalla

Assist. Prof. K. Vahtsevanos

Assist. Prof. A. Poulopoulos

Title

Bisphosphonates and dental patient: what the dentist needs to know. Practical considerations

Moderator:  Prof. Anastasios Markopoulos

Speakers:   

Summary

Osteonecrosis of the jaw bones is a complication of bisphosphonate (BP) drug usage characterised by transmucosal exposure of necrotic bone, often followed by infection and pain. Osteonecrosis is observed in cancer patients on high-potency intravenous BP more frequently than in osteoporotic individuals using low-potency oral BP.  

The management of osteonecrosis caused by BP is often unsatisfactory and control of risk factors is considered the most effective means of prevention. Surgical manipulation and dental infection of the jawbone are the major risk factors, hence it is suggested that careful management of oral health and relevant dental procedures may decrease the risk of osteonecrosis in individuals on BP.

Recommendations for dentists and oral surgeons have been suggested by different groups of clinicians but they are often controversial and there is no clear evidence for their efficacy in reducing the likelihood of osteonecrosis development.

This presentation, discusses a number of  issues  involving BP such as mode of action, pathogenesis of jaw osteonecrosis, risk factors, surgical treatment of the lesions, and critically reviews current dental recommendations for individuals using BP with the aim of helping the dentist to transfer them into practice as part of pragmatic and non-detrimental clinical decisions making.