Clinical and Radiographic Features of Peri-Implant Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: This study aimed to analyze the factors affecting the occurrence of peri-implant medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (PI-MRONJ) in patients using anti-resorptive drugs (ARDs) on different implant position, inclinations, and types of prosthesis.

Methods: The data of 75 patients with bone necrosis that progressed around the implant between 2018 and 2022 were retrospectively examined to identify the factors influencing PI-MRONJ. Data, including patient demographics (age, sex, smoking status, concomitant disease, time of ARD therapy, dose of ARDs, and parafunctional habits) and implant-specific information (type of prosthesis, angle of insertion), were extracted from medical and dental records.

Results: Tilted implants with an angle ≥ 5.1° relative to the occlusal plane of the prosthesis had a stronger association with PI-MRONJ in comparison to non-tilted implants (inclination was < 5°). Additionally, the boundary of the area of osteonecrosis around the fixture was larger for the splinted implant-supported crowns than for the single implant supported crowns).

Conclusion: In patients taking anti-resorptive medications the inclination of the implant was associated with the occurrence of PI-MRONJ. Further studies are required to confirm the clinical findings.