Drug-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Jaws How to Diagnose, Prevent, and Treat It

Drug-induced osteonecrosis of the jaws (DIONJ) is something oral surgeons are all too familiar with. For decades, Dr Marx has advocated drug holidays and other clinical tactics that can help mitigate the effects of bisphosphonates and other DIONJ-causing agents, particularly in patients being treated for osteoporosis or cancer. This book provides doctors and surgeons with the strategies and guidelines to treat DIONJ effectively and prevent it whenever possible. The first chapter explains the mechanism of action of DIONJ as well as its risk factors and staging, and the following chapters outline how to diagnose, treat, and even prevent DIONJ in patients with osteoporosis and cancer. Twenty cases are included to show how DIONJ presents clinically and what to do in each situation based on severity and patient condition. As the avoidance of DIONJ-causing drugs is not always feasible in the treatment of cancer, Dr Marx gives clear and practical information on how best to handle each situation, so oral surgeons and other clinicians can decide on the best possible treatment plans for their patients.