Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

It is recommended that the term “medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw" (MRONJ) be used when referring to bone necrosis associated with pharmacologic therapies. ( FC , Ins , W )

For cancer patients scheduled to receive a BMA in a non-urgent setting, oral care assessment (including a comprehensive dental, periodontal, and oral radiographic exam when feasible to do so) should be undertaken prior to initiating therapy. Based on the assessment, a dental care plan should be developed and implemented. The care plan should be coordinated between the dentist and the oncologist to ensure that medically necessary dental procedures are undertaken prior to initiation of the BMA. Follow-up by the dentist should then be performed on a routine schedule (e.g., every six months) once therapy with a BMA has commenced. ( EB , L , M )