What Researchers Did
Researchers retrospectively investigated the frequency of osteoradionecrosis/medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ORN/MRONJ) after dental extractions in patients with head and neck radiotherapy or antiresorptive use, employing post-extraction antibiotic coverage without prophylactic hyperbaric oxygen.
What They Found
Out of 90 patients undergoing 243 extractions, 3 of 40 patients (7.5%) on antiresorptives developed MRONJ, and 1 of 50 patients (2%) with head and neck radiotherapy developed ORN. Male gender and concomitant immunosuppressant medications were significantly associated with MRONJ development (P < .05).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with a history of head and neck radiotherapy or antiresorptive medication use undergoing dental extractions may find reassurance that post-extraction antibiotics can help minimize the risk of osteonecrosis. This approach, even without prophylactic hyperbaric oxygen, appears to be effective and could inform clinical practice.
Canadian Relevance
This study was not conducted in Canada and therefore has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The retrospective, single-center design of this study limits the generalizability and definitive validation of its findings.