Extensive osteonecrosis of the maxilla caused by bisphosphonates: Report of a rare case

Bisphosphonates are drugs indicated for the treatment of bone metabolic diseases or malignant hypercalcemia. They are generally well-tolerated drugs, however, recent reports have described osteonecrosis of the jaw bones as a potentially serious complication related to the long-term use of these drugs. We report a case of severe osteonecrosis in a 52-years-old white woman that was taking bisphosphonates (zoledronic acid and alendronate) for the management of osteoporosis. Following a long exposure to these drugs and after being subjected to multiples exodontias, developed bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw compromising the whole maxilla and that extended toward the base of skull…