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Prevention and the Role of the Dentist

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Bisphosphonates and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Multidisciplinary Approach

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Abstract

This chapter discusses and assesses the dentist’s role in patients undergoing bisphosphonates (BPs) therapy. These drugs are potent inhibitors of bone resorption and bone remodeling due to their action on osteoclasts. Although they are widely used as part of the standard therapies for important pathologies, such as multiple myeloma, bone metastasis of solid cancers, and dismetabolic bone pathologies, their mechanism of action is not yet fully understood. Dental professionals are directly involved in the diagnosis and treatment of the unexpected side effects of BPs, necrotic manifestations of the jaws. Moreover, since oral surgical procedures are a key factor in developing osteonecrosis, the dentist has assumed a decisive role in its prevention. In this chapter, the risk factors and preventive measures in oncologic and osteoporotic patients are differentiated and clearly presented. The value of biochemical markers of bone activity in predicting the jaw osteonecrosis is also explained. The importance of the strict collaboration between dentist, oncologist, and physician is emphasized, including the need to adopt procedures that avoid unnecessary and invasive dental procedures, optimize oral health, and exclude local cofactors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dentistry, University of Messina, Messina, Italy

    Giacomo Oteri

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  1. Giacomo Oteri
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Correspondence to Giacomo Oteri .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Dental Department, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, Messina, 98100, Italy

    Francesco Saverio De Ponte

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Oteri, G. (2012). Prevention and the Role of the Dentist. In: De Ponte, F. (eds) Bisphosphonates and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2083-2_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2083-2_10

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-2082-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-2083-2

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