Osteonecrosis
Brief description of the condition
Exposed avascular bone. Patients taking a bisphosphonate drug (e.g. for osteoporosis) or who have had radiotherapy to the head and neck may be at increased risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Key signs and symptoms
- Pain
- Exposed intra oral bone, with failure to heal in the absence of malignancy
Initial management
Recommend optimal analgesia (see Appendix 2).
Advise the patient to rinse their mouth with 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash.
If of recent onset, advise the patient to seek urgent care. If chronic, advise the patient to seek non-urgent care.
Do not prescribe antibiotics unless there is a discharge.
Subsequent care
Minimise the need for extractions and avoid minor oral surgery.
- Refer to an oral surgeon or oral and maxillofacial surgeon to establish diagnosis.