Radiography Finding in the Jaws in Children Taking Bisphosphonate

BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonates‎ inhibit osteoclasts, prevent bone resorption and decrease bone turnover. This study examined radiography finding in bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of jaws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective series of 12 clinically diagnosed patients between 7 to 21 year old (average 13 years). They required emergency dental conditions requiring management by dentist: non healing ‎extraction sockets and pain of bone exposure. The panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography was performed ‎to assess the problem. Thickening of the lamina dura was observed in 7 patients (58.3 %). But full-thickness sclerosis was seen in 6 patients (50 %). Sclerotic changes in the mandibular canal were noted in 3 patients (25 %). 5 patients (41.6 %) had poorly healing or non-healing of socket in extracted tooth and periapical lucencies. 4 people (33.3 %) had widening of periodontal ligament (PDL) space and osteolysis. Sequestra were seen in 3 persons (25 %). Finally in 2 children (16.6 %) were found oroantral fistula. Only one child (8.3 %) had thickening of soft tissue mid periosteal reaction. RESULTS: Most patients had some degree of osteosclerosis, especially in the area of alveolar bone. Thickening of the lamina dura was also seen in children. Other findings include: osteolysis, sequestra, periosteal new bone formation, widening of PDL,soft tissue thickening, non healing extraction sockets, oroantral fistula and periapical lucencies (P-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Common radiographic features in patients taking bisphosphonate, was osteosclerosis. This sclerosis had different views that thickening of the lamina dura and alveolar crest were most common.