• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.219-224
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• 2022

Objectives: There have been few studies to date on the residual effect of bisphosphonate. This study investigated the radiographic changes of mandibular cortical thickness upon bisphosphonate drug holiday. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study includes 36 patients diagnosed with MRONJ (medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw) at Ajou University Dental Hospital in 2010-2021. All patients stopped taking bisphosphonate under consultation with the prescribing physicians. Panoramic radiographs were taken at the start of discontinuation (T₀), 12 months after (T₁), and 18 months after (T₂) discontinuation of bisphosphonate, respectively. Mental index and panoramic mandibular index were calculated using Ledgerton's method. Paired t-tests were used to analyze differences over time. Results: The difference in indices (mental index and panoramic mandibular index) between T₀ and T₁ was not statistically significant (paired t-test, P>0.05). However, the difference in these indices between T₁ and T₂ was statistically significant (paired t-test, P<0.05). Conclusion: The cortical thickness of the mandible decreased in the late stage (after 18 months) as observed by panoramic radiograph.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.90-95
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• 2010

Purpose: The aim of this study is to report a case of oral bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) resulting in implant failure. Methods: A patient suspected of having BRONJ was referred to the Department of Periodontology, Kyung Hee University School of Dentistry for the evaluation and treatment of exposed bone around implants. Results: The patient, who had been taking oral bisphosphonates (BPs) for about a year, was successfully treated with systemic antibiotics, chlorhexidine mouth rinse, explantation, and surgical debridement of necrotic bone. Conclusions: The results of this case suggest that a patient taking BPs orally should be treated cautiously. Appropriate management including cessation of BPs and respective dental treatment may reduce the development of BRONJ.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.65-74
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• 2024

Purpose: This longitudinal cohort study aimed to evaluate the relationship between osteonecrosis of the jaw and pulp and periapical disease in patients who were administered bisphosphonates. Methods: Using data from a nationwide cohort, we examined the association among dental caries, pulp and periapical disease, and osteonecrosis of the jaw in women aged >50 years who received bisphosphonates for more than 1 year between 2002 and 2015. Because of ambiguities in the diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the jaw in population-based data, we operationally defined and categorized the condition into established and potential osteonecrosis of the jaw. Results: Pulp and periapical disease significantly increased the development of both established and potential osteonecrosis of the jaw (hazard ratio, 2.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-3.48; and hazard ratio, 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.65-2.98, respectively). Root canal treatment did not have any influence on the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Conclusions: Pulp and periapical disease may be a major risk factor for osteonecrosis of the jaw. The study findings suggest that patients should undergo regular dental examinations to detect pulp and periapical disease before or during the administration of bisphosphonates and that root canal treatment should be considered to decrease the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.38-42
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• 2014

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is defined as exposed necrotic bone without evidence of healing for at least 8 weeks in the maxillofacial area in a patient with history of bisphosphonate use. Obtaining complete coverage of the hard tissue by soft tissue in BRONJ patients is especially important. Therefore, managing the mucosa is one of the key factors in a successful outcome, but this is especially hard to achieve in BRONJ patients. Various applications of buccal fat pad in oral reconstruction-including the closure of surgical defects following tumor excision, repair of surgical defects following the excision of leukoplakia and submucous fibrosis, closure of primary and secondary palatal clefts, coverage of maxillary and mandibular bone grafts, and lining of sinus surface of maxillary sinus bone graft in sinus lift procedures for maxillary augmentation-have been studied. Eliminating all potential sites of infection and post-operative infection control is crucial in BRONJ. We present a case using the buccal fat pad pedicle for a stage 3 BRONJ defect. Uneventful total epithelialization of the buccal fat pad regardless of size was noted. In summary, the buccal fat pad has versatile application and various recipient sites for surgical utilization. It is an easy technique, with promising overall success rates. With careful selection and handling, buccal fat graft can resolve problems with soft tissue coverage in stage 2 or 3 BRONJ patients.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.274-283
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• 2016

Bisphosphonates are widely used mainly for the treatment of osteoporosis and bone metastasis of malignancy. Since the first report of MRONJ, there have been many studies associated, however the pathogenesis of MRONJ is not yet clear. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a serious complication associated with long-term medication therapy. It is characterized by exposed necrotic bonein the jaw, which has persisted for more than 8weeks despite continuous treatment by dentist. The mechanism of development of MRONJ is still unclear and there is no definitive standard treatment for MRONJ. The purpose of this study is to investigate the jaw bone destruction mechanism of accumulated bisphosphonates, so that we can develop therapeutic method to repair the defect and stop the destruction process. The authors performed simultaneous application of PRF(Platelet rich fibrin) and BMP-2(Bone morphogenetic protein-2) to stimulate not only soft tissue healing but also osseous regeneration. Our case series demonstrate that simultaneous application of platelet rich fibrin and bone morphogenetic protein-2 can be a treatment of choice for MRONJ.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.108-115
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• 2019

Objectives: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a well-known side effect of certain drugs that are used to influence bone metabolism to treat osteometabolic disease or cancers. The purpose of our study was to investigate how high-concentration and low-concentration bisphosphonate (BP) intake affects the disease severity. Materials and Methods: Data collected from the medical records of 52 patients treated with BPs, antiresorptive, antiangiogenic drugs and diagnosed with MRONJ were included in this study. Age, sex, type of systemic disease, type of drug, duration of drug treatment, jaw area with MRONJ, drug administration protocol, and MRONJ clinical and radiological findings were obtained. Patients were divided into two groups: anti-neoplastic (Group I, n=23) and anti-osteoporotic (Group II, n=29). Statistical evaluations were performed using the IBM SPSS ver. 21.0 program. Results: In both groups, more females had MRONJ. MRONJ was found in the mandibles of 30 patients (Group I, n=14; Group II, n=16). When we classified patients according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons staging system, significant differences were seen between groups (${\chi}^2=12.23$, P<0.01). More patients with advanced stage (stage 2-3) MRONJ were found in Group I (60.9%). Conclusion: According to our results, high-concentration BP intake, age and duration of drug intake increased disease severity.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.68-74
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• 2023

Objectives: Drug holidays are suggested to reduce the formation of osteonecrosis in patients under intravenous (IV) bisphosphonates (BPs) therapy. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the incidence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) following tooth extraction in cancer patients using IV BP, and to assess the effect of drug holiday on the development of MRONJ. Patients and Methods: A manuel search of the patient folders of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Hacettepe University was undertaken to identify cancer patients who used IV BPs and had at least one tooth extraction between 2012 and 2022. Patents' age, sex, systemic condition, the type of BP used, duration of BP used, number of tooth extraction, duration of drug holiday, localization of tooth extraction and incidence of MRONJ were recorded. Results: One hundred nine teeth were removed from 57 jaws in 51 patients. All tooth extractions were performed under perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis and with primary wound closure. The incidence of MRONJ was 5.3%. Stage 1 MRONJ developed in 3 patients (only one had a drug holiday). The median duration of drug holiday was 2 months. No significant difference between the patients with and without a drug holiday and MRONJ development was found (P=0.315). The mean age of patients developed MRONJ was 40.33±8.08 years. A statistically significant difference was found between age and MRONJ development (P=0.002). Conclusion: The effect of a short-term drug holiday on the development of MRONJ may be limited because BPs remain in bone tissue for a long time. Drug holidays should be applied with the approval of an oncologist with other preventive measurements.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.273-279
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• 2020

This review presents an overview of some diagnostic imaging-related issues regarding medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws(MRONJ), including imaging signs that can predict MRONJ in patients taking antiresorptive drugs, the early imaging features of MRONJ, the relationship between the presence or absence of bone exposure and imaging features, and differences in imaging features by stage, between advanced MRONJ and conventional osteomyelitis, between oncologic and osteoporotic patients with MRONJ, and depending on the type of medication, method of administration, and duration of medication. The early diagnosis of MRONJ can be made by the presence of subtle imaging changes such as thickening of the lamina dura or cortical bone, not by the presence of bone exposure. Most of the imaging features are relatively non-specific, and each patient's clinical findings and history should be referenced. Oral and maxillofacial radiologists and dentists should closely monitor plain radiographs of patients taking antiresorptive/antiangiogenic drugs.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2017

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) after tooth extraction in patients with osteoporosis on oral bisphosphonates in Korea and to evaluate local factors affecting the development of BRONJ. Materials and Methods: The clinical records of 320 patients who underwent dental extraction while receiving oral bisphosphonates were reviewed. All patients had a healing period of more than 6 months following the extractions. Each patient's clinical record was used to assess the incidence of BRONJ; if BRONJ occurred, a further radiographic investigation was carried out to obtain a more definitive diagnosis. Various local factors including age, gender, extraction site, drug type, duration of administration, and C-terminal telopeptide (CTx) level were retrieved from the patients' clinical records for evaluating their effect on the incidence of BRONJ. Results: Among the 320 osteoporotic patients who underwent tooth extraction, 11 developed BRONJ, reflecting an incidence rate of 3.44%. Out of the local factors that may affect the incidence of BRONJ, gender, drug type, and CTx level showed no statistically significant effects, while statistically significant associations were found for age, extraction site, and duration of administration. The incidence of BRONJ increased with age, was greater in the mandible than the maxilla, and was associated with a duration of administration of more than 3 years. Conclusion: Tooth extraction in patients on oral bisphosphonates requires careful consideration of their age, the extraction site, and the duration of administration, and close postoperative follow-up should be carried out to facilitate effective early management.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.302-309
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• 2013

Purpose: This study evaluated the prognosis of conservative and surgical treatment according to the staging of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of jaw (BRONJ) by American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. Methods: We evaluated 53 patients of BRONJ who visited Department of Dentistry, Ajou University School of Medicine from May 2007 to February 2013. Twenty eight patients in stage 2, were divided into surgical and conservative groups with cessation of bisphosphonate therapy. Fifteen patients belonged to the conservative treatment group, in which mouth rinsing and antibiotics medication were done. Thirteen patients were treated with debridement or sequestrectomy, in the surgical treatment group. Each study list was analyzed by SPSS ver. 14.0 (SPSS Inc., USA) software and the favorable rate was verified by the Fisher exact test. P-values less than 0.05% were deemed significant. Results: Clinical outcome was evaluated on the basis of both clinical and radiographic findings. Of all the 28 patients of stage 2, 15 patients underwent conservative treatment and 13 patients received surgical treatment. In the surgical group, 9 of 13 (69.2%) showed good prognosis, 4 of 13 (30.7%) showed recurrence. In the conservative group, 13 of 15 (86.6%) showed no change duting the follow-up period. Two of 15 patients even showed a bad prognosis, such as pain and pus discharge, which are criteria for stage 3. P-value was 0.067 (>0.05). Conclusion: The results of the present study suggests that surgical intervention is good choice against the conservative treatment, after proper drug holidays period, while further investigation is needed for a definite solution to BRONJ.