The effect of chronic dental inflammation on development of stage 0 medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

Summary Objective The pathogenesis of medication-related osteonecrosis of jaw (MRONJ) is poorly understood. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the effect of chronic dental inflammation on the development of stage 0 MRONJ based on histopathological findings. Methods The study involved patients with a history of bisphosphonate use and an indication for tooth extraction. Before surgery, C-terminal telopeptide test (CTX) values were collected from all patients. All tooth extractions were performed according to a determined protocol. To detect whether any medication-related osteonecrotic changes were present in the non-exposed bone, biopsy samples were taken from the alveolar bone. Results A total of 50 patients were included in the study (39 women and 11 men). The patients were mean age of 57.4 ± 12.1 years. In total, 74 teeth were extracted (29 maxillary and 45 mandibular). Histologic examination of three patients (6%) revealed stage 0 MRONJ. Postoperatively, the complete mucosal healing success rate was 96%. MRONJ risk was not significantly correlated with low CTX value (p = 0.285). Conclusions Chronic inflammation may contribute to stage 0 MRONJ; however, its role may not be sufficient alone for its development. Application of a predetermined protocol for dentoalveolar processes will help to prevent MRONJ development.