Lunch and Learn
Saturday, October 17, 2009
11:30AM - 1:00PM
L512
Bisphosphonate Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws
Eric R. Carlson, DMD, MD
Professor and Chairman, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Tennessee Medical Center
Knoxville, TN
Synopsis
Bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws is an enigmatic and poorly understood pathologic entity that has attracted the attention of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, dentists, physicians, and attorneys. Affected sites in the jaws vary from a limited burden of exposed bone to large areas of necrotic bone with oro-cutaneous fistulae. Treatment can be very challenging and must be tailored to the magnitude of the patient's disease, symptoms, and the presence of medical co-morbidity.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants should be able to:
- Discuss the available bisphosphonate medications, their pharmacologic mechanisms, potency and pathophysiology regarding the possible development of osteonecrosis of the jaws.
- Discuss the available medical and surgical treatment strategies for bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws.
- Discuss the concept of threshold doses of bisphosphonate medications when planning dentoalveolar surgery, and feel comfortable performing such surgery in these patients.