Osteonecrosis of the jaw has been described in patients taking bisphosphonates after oral surgery procedures, including the placement of dental implants. The success of these procedures depend on the fixation of the implants which, in turn depends on the strength of the bone that holds them. Bisphosphonates are anti-resorptive drugs that act specifically on osteoclasts, thereby maintaining bone density and strength. These drugs inhibit bone resorption and are used to treat a range of pathologies, including Paget disease, osteoporosis, multiple myeloma and metastases associated with breast or prostate cancer. At present, there is no effective treatment for bisphosphonate induced osteonecrosis, so prevention is extremely important. Since quality of life deteriorates for those suffering osteonecrosis, maximum precautions should be taken with patients at risk. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review in order to evaluate whether patients on BP therapy are appropriate candidates for dental implants as compared to patients not taking BP drugs with respect to successful implant osseointegration and the risk of developing bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Key words:  bisphosphonates, osteonecrosis of the jaw, osseointegration, dental implants.

Corresponding author: Dr. Itrat Hussain, Private Practitioner, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

This article may be cited as: Hussain I, Batool N, Khajuria A, Singh B, Ali I, Kumar PS. Bisphophonates and Dental Implants – A Literature Review. Int J Res Health Allied Sci 2017;3(5):31-33.