The osteonecrosis of the jaw is described as a drug-induced effect due to chronic treatment with bisphosphonates, mainly used in oncologic patients. Moreover, is associated to patients affected by osteoporosis, in whom the prescription is by oral via. Based upon its action mechanism as a bone resorption inhibitor by osteoclast activity supression, affecting the normal bone metabolism (resorption–neoformation). Also, it leads to acellular necrosis (antiangiogenic action).

The purpose of the present review is to do an objective evaluation of the jaws anatomics changes versus time of administration of oral bisphosphonates with a predictive and preventive aim of jaws osteonecrosis, according to the evaluation of some radiographic patterns in patients affected by BONJ.

Conflict of interest: None declared.