Bisphosphonate and Nonbisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw : A Review

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe term “osteonecrosis of the jaw” (ONJ) is used almost synonymously with the term “bisphosphonate-associated ONJ.” However, necrosis of the jawbones leading to exposure of bone is associated with other factors.Types of Studies ReviewedThe authors conducted a literature search using PubMed to identify original research articles and case reports that described oral conditions and associated factors that result in sequestrum formation and bone exposure.ResultsAfter reviewing conditions that may lead to necrosis of the jawbones, the authors divided the causes of ONJ into the following conditions: systemic medication use; radiation; bacterial, viral and deep fungal infections; direct chemical toxicity; trauma; idiopathy; and other etiologies.Clinical ImplicationsClinicians should take a careful history when evaluating patients with ONJ because ONJ may result from one or more factors.