Bisphosphonates-Osteonecrosis of Jaw

The recent recognition of bisphosphonate use came into use for pathological conditions which includes osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and other bone diseases. This article highlights about bisphosphonate and its effect and affect on ONJ. Jaw necrosis is a complication associated with conditions such as radiotherapy, severe fungal or bacterial infections, and sarcoidosis or after intravenous bisphosphonate therapy. The intravenous bisphosphonates - pamidronate (Aredia) and zoledronic acid (Zometa), are often used to treat cancer-related hypercalcemia, Paget's disease, symptoms from solid tumor bone metastasis and osteolytic lesions of multiple myeloma. Bisphosphonate related ONJ has been reported since 2003, in patients taking the drug, more often after dental procedures like extractions, minor surgeries, etc.