Tooth extractions in high-risk patients under bisphosphonate therapy and previously affected with osteonecrosis of the jaws: surgical protocol supported by low-level laser therapy

J Craniofac Surg. 2015 May;26(3):696-9. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000001665.

Abstract

Trauma during dental surgery is a predisposing factor for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ). There are no specific guidelines for the management of dental extractions in patients under bisphosphonate therapy (BPT). The authors proposed in 2013 a successful protocol for tooth extractions in patients under BPT supported by Nd:YAG low-level laser therapy (LLLT). The aim of this study was to validate the safety and efficacy of this protocol reporting the data related to its application in a particular category of patients under BPT at high risk for MRONJ and who were previously affected with MRONJ. Eighty-two tooth extractions were performed in 36 patients previously affected with MRONJ. Antibiotic treatment was administered 3 days before and 2 weeks after tooth extractions. Patients were additionally treated with Nd:YAG LLLT, 5 applications of 1 minute each. Patients were evaluated 3 days and once a week for 2 months after the extractions and every time they received LLLT. In a total of 82 extractions, minimal bone exposure was observed in 2 cases, treated with Er:YAG laser vaporization and then completely healed. The data confirmed that laser biostimulation is a reliable technique that can be considered in the surgical protocol for patients under BPT.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw / therapy*
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / adverse effects
  • Diphosphonates / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Low-Level Light Therapy / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tooth Extraction / methods*

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates