MEDICATION-RELATED OSTEONECROSIS OF THE JAW: A REVIEW STUDY

Abstract

Osteonecrosis of the jaws, related to the use of medications, is a condition that can arise because of therapies with antiresorptive drugs, such as bisphosphonates and Denosumab, or with antiangiogenic agents. Although not very common, this condition can cause painful symptoms, including suppuration and an unpleasant odor, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. To review the literature on drugs that cause osteonecrosis, highlighting the associated risks, to guide dentists in improving the quality of life of patients. From 2009 to 2024, a literature review was conducted using the Public Medline and Scientific Electronic Library Online databases. The articles were chosen using the descriptors "Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw", "Osteonecrosis", "Antineoplastic Agents", "Bone Density Conservation Agents", and "Angiogenesis", together with their Portuguese versions, combined using the Boolean operator "OR". During the selection phase, studies that were limited to animal models, studies involving radiation to the head and neck region, and congress abstracts were excluded. Bisphosphonates, antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs are used to reduce bone tissue loss in various malignant conditions and carcinoma metastases, in addition to being indicated in the treatment of certain tumors due to their ability to inhibit angiogenesis and thus control tumor growth. However, the literature documents numerous cases of osteonecrosis of the jaws associated with the use of these pharmacological classes, often after dental surgical procedures or due to spontaneous causes. Dentists play a fundamental role in the prevention and diagnosis of this condition, and it is essential to know about the risk factors that can lead to the development of osteonecrosis, as well as strategies to minimize the probability of its occurrence.