Bisphosphonates in Dentistry – State of the Art

Bisphosphonates remain the most used and most effective drugs for the treatment of systemic bone diseases followed by bone resorption. Although their side effects in a form of alveolar bone osteonecrosis have been reported, bisphosphonates have a potential of being used in the treatment of the most common oral diseases followed by alveolar bone resorption such as peri-implantitis, periapical lesions, and periodontitis. The aim of this article was to review the most recent research regarding the use of bisphosphonates in the field of dentistry. The results of studies indicate that bisphosphonate use in the treatment of peri-implantitis, periapical lesions, and periodontitis can reduce alveolar bone resorption and contribute to bone preservation. However, the most beneficial way of their application in the treatment of these oral diseases remain to be determined.