Clinical Outcome of Implants in Patients with BS

One of the prevalent side effects associated with bisphosphonate (BS) therapy in patients with malignant disorders is osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ). In oral cancer patients with various oncologic lesions, standard guidelines contraindicate the use of dental implants if the patients are on BP therapy. Literature also quotes studies that emphasize on the safety of dental implants in patients on BP therapy. A study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcome of dental implants in patients on BP therapy was carried out.

The assessment involved conducting various clinical trials on patients who were on or had history of BP therapy and the calculation of implant failure and survival rate was carried out. In light of the results, it can be concluded that no significant risk of implant failure is seen in patients on BP therapy compared with other patients. Dental implants and its osseointegration seem to remain functionally stable in such patients. However, in patients having a history of BP therapy for more than three years, alternate treatment options and further researches are advocated to explore the detailed impact of BP therapy on success rate of dental implants.

Source: Intricate Assessment and Evaluation of Dental Implants in Patients on Bisphosphonate Therapy: A Retrospective Analysis. Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice 2016; 17(5): 414-417 https://www.thejcdp.com/doi/pdf/10.5005/jp-journals-10024-1864