Peri-implant medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw mimicking endodontic disease in a cancer patient: A case report

Aust Endod J. 2024 Dec;50(3):709-717. doi: 10.1111/aej.12893. Epub 2024 Oct 12.

Abstract

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a progressive condition that can cause significant bone loss and its diagnosis can be challenging. A 68-year-old man with a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, undergoing treatment with atezolizumab, bevacizumab and zoledronic acid, complained of spontaneous pain in the right lower second premolar. Oral examination revealed no dental changes and implants in the right jaw. A patient history and thorough clinical and radiographic examinations mimic endodontic disease. The implant crowns were removed, bleeding on probing, and peri-implant pockets were observed. The main hypothesis was MRONJ Stage 2, and the surgical treatment was performed. The pain ceased and signs of MRONJ were not observed within 3 months. MRONJ should be considered as a hypothesis in the case of odontalgia and a patient's history of antiresorptive and antiangiogenic therapies. Furthermore, monitoring patients with dental implants in the mandible through detailed clinical and imaging evaluation is required.

Keywords: dental pulp diseases; endodontic diseases; medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw; osteonecrosis; precision dentistry.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bevacizumab / adverse effects
  • Bevacizumab / therapeutic use
  • Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw* / diagnosis
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / adverse effects
  • Dental Implants / adverse effects
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Male
  • Zoledronic Acid* / adverse effects
  • Zoledronic Acid* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Zoledronic Acid
  • Dental Implants
  • Bevacizumab
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents