2022, Volume 15, Issue 3, pp 368 – 373

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: knowledge and perceptions of medical professionals on the usage of bone modifying agents and dental referrals

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Authors and Affiliations

Corresponding Author: Vathsala Patil, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India. E-mail: drvathsala19@gmail.com; vathsala.mcods@manipal.edu

Abstract

Bone modifying agents (BMA) like bisphosphonates, antiangiogenic, and antiresorptive agents are widely used to manage bone diseases and cancer. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a potentially serious complication seen in patients on BMA therapy. Dental infection is one of the primary risk factors for MRONJ manifestation; hence its complete removal before initiation of BMA is significant. This can be achieved when a medical professional understands MRONJ and its risk factors and implements timely and regular dental referrals. This multicentre study was performed to assess the knowledge about MRONJ and awareness about the implementation of dental referrals among medical professionals. A custom-designed questionnaire tool was designed and validated by a pilot study. 450 practitioners from 6 medical schools and private practitioners in and around the district were surveyed. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. 63.5% (n=80) of the respondents prescribed bisphosphonates at a frequency of 0–5 times in a month. However, 62% (n=78) of the practitioners could correctly indicate the most appropriate definition of MRONJ. Only 49.2% (n=62) of them considered dental consultation mandatory. 73% (n=92) of the practitioners were unaware of management guidelines. There exists a significant gap in the knowledge-based applications in the management of MRONJ. Lack of referrals to dentists before BMA therapy can be a pivotal factor in patient morbidity. Practitioners prescribing BMA should advise patients about regular dental visits and monitor for symptoms of MRONJ.

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About this article

PMC ID: 9015184
PubMed ID: 35449990
DOI: 10.25122/jml-2021-0085

Article Publishing Date (print): 3 2022
Available Online: 

Journal information

ISSN Printing: 1844-122X
ISSN Online: 1844-3117
Journal Title: Journal of Medicine and Life

Copyright License: Open Access

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use and redistribution provided that the original author and source are credited.


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