Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw after tooth extraction in patients receiving pharmaceutical treatment for osteoporosis: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Bone resorption inhibitors, such as bisphosphonates (BPs) and anti-receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand antibodies (denosumab; Dmab), are used to treat osteoporosis and effectively reduce the risk of fracture. However, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) has been reported as a rare adverse effect. Invasive tooth extraction procedures are reportedly a factor in the development of MRONJ. In this study, we aimed to retrospectively observe and clinically examine the effect of medication status on MRONJ development after tooth extraction in patients receiving drug treatment for osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted among patients who visited our hospital between December 2015 and December 2021. We collected and analyzed the medical information of patients who underwent dental extractions while using osteoporosis medications, including oral and injectable BPs and Dmab. RESULTS: Among antiresorptive medication users, 40 patients (70 teeth) underwent extraction. The mean duration of BP/Dmab use was 40.4 months, and the mean duration of drug holiday was 6.9 months. MRONJ after tooth extraction was not seen in BP users, but we observed two cases in Dmab users. A significant difference in MRONJ development was confirmed with the use of injectable compared with oral medication administration (odds ratio＝5.01). CONCLUSION: The use of injectable bone resorption inhibitors was associated with a higher risk of developing MRONJ. The route of administration, duration of medication, and withdrawal period should be carefully considered to prevent MRONJ after tooth extraction.