Dental implants in osteoporotic patients taking oral bisphophonates: a literature review

Objective. Osteoporosis is a systemic disorder characterized by generalized decrease in bone mineral density that can eventually result in fragility fracture. Bisphosphonates have been used in the treatment of osteoporosis for many years in order to inhibit bone resorption. Unfortunately, the use of bisphosphonates has been found to be associated with several adverse events in patients where dental pathologies were present. For this reason, an increased attention has been recommended in those patients where bisphosphonates have been assumed and where dental therapies are mandatory. The aim of this article is to focus on the aspects of implant therapy in patients under bisphosphonates treatment and to produce a bibliographic review of dental implants placed in osteoporotic/osteopenic patients under treatment with oral bisphosphonates. Materials and methods. The literature review was performed on PUBMED, MEDLINE using as search terms: oral bisphosphonates, dental implants, osteoporosis/osteopenia, osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ). Conclusions. In conclusion the analysis of the studies shows that the therapy with oral bisphosphonates does not affect osteointegration of dental implants and in most cases determines a low risk of ONJ.