Introduction: Bisphosphonates are compounds widely used in the treatment of various metabolic and malignant bone disease. Despite the clinical benefits, osteonecrosis of the jaws has recently emerged as a significant complication in a subset of patients receiving these drugs. Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a side effect of bisphophonate use. BRONJ has received wide-spread attention since the first reports in 2003.

Background and aims: It is characterized by poor wound healing and spontaneous intraoral soft tissue break down, which lead to exposure of necrotic maxillary and mandibular bone (BRONJ: Position Statement of Korea, 2009). The aim of this study was to improve the clinicians’ understanding of BRONJ by reviewing the literature and clinical cases report.

Conflict of interest: None declared.