Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ)

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a rare condition in which the jaw bone’s ability to heal is impaired and may cause a bone wound which does not heal. This complication is typically seen in cancer patients receiving intravenous bisphosponates or other similar drugs to address cancer that spread to the bone. Osteoporosis patients receiving these medication are also at risk but to a much lesser degree. This complication can be easily diagnosed by an intraoral examination. The diagnosis is confirmed when there is an area of exposed bone that has remained uncovered for more than 8 weeks. When this complication does occur, it is typically treated with rinses or antibiotics if the region becomes infected. In some advanced cases, surgical treatment is required to remove dead bone tissue.

Contact us today in New York City, Lake Success, or West Islip to learn more about our dental implant procedures.