Treatment outcomes in patients with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws: a prospective study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the 2-year success rate of management of patients with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ).Study designA prospective study was performed. Positive outcome variables were the resolution of symptoms and the status of the mucosa.ResultsA total of 37 patients are described. The precipitating event was a dental extraction in 22 cases (59.5%). Thirteen patients (35.1%) underwent surgery, and 24 (64.9%) underwent antimicrobial therapy alone. After 2 years, 20 patients (54.1%) presented with soft tissue closure over previously exposed bone, and there were no statistical differences in gender, age, bisphosphonate treatment, or treatment modalities. Spontaneous lesions seemed to have a worse prognosis (P = .001).ConclusionsInitial antimicrobial treatment, and later surgery for unresponsive patients, might be a feasible treatment modality for BRONJ. Because these results are not conclusive, it would be very interesting to know if this statement would be the same with a greater number of patients.