Radiography Finding in the Jaws in Children Taking Bisphosphonate

BACKGROUND Bisphosphonates‎ inhibit osteoclasts, prevent bone resorption and decrease bone turnover. This study examined radiography finding in bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of jaws. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective series of 12 clinically diagnosed patients between 7 to 21 year old (average 13 years). They required emergency dental conditions requiring management by dentist: non healing ‎extraction sockets and pain of bone exposure. The panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography was performed ‎to assess the problem. Thickening of the lamina dura was observed in 7 patients (58.3 %). But full-thickness sclerosis was seen in 6 patients (50 %). Sclerotic changes in the mandibular canal were noted in 3 patients (25 %). 5 patients (41.6 %) had poorly healing or non-healing of socket in extracted tooth and periapical lucencies. 4 people (33.3 %) had widening of periodontal ligament (PDL) space and osteolysis. Sequestra were seen in 3 persons (25 %). Finally in 2 children (16.6 %) were found oroantral fistula. Only one child (8.3 %) had thickening of soft tissue mid periosteal reaction. RESULTS Most patients had some degree of osteosclerosis, especially in the area of alveolar bone. Thickening of the lamina dura was also seen in children. Other findings include: osteolysis, sequestra, periosteal new bone formation, widening of PDL,soft tissue thickening, non healing extraction sockets, oroantral fistula and periapical lucencies (P-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION Common radiographic features in patients taking bisphosphonate, was osteosclerosis. This sclerosis had different views that thickening of the lamina dura and alveolar crest were most common.