2023 Volume 36 Issue 4 Pages 257-261
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a risk of developing osteoporosis and often receive antiresorptive agents to prevent fragility fractures. However, these medications can lead to medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), a rare but serious complication. RA patients are at a higher risk of developing MRONJ than those with non-RA osteoporosis patients due to the administration of immunosuppressive drugs and glucocorticoids, which can increase their vulnerability to infection and slow healing. In addition to antiresorptive agents, local infections resulting from oral surgical procedures are a primary cause of MRONJ. Preventing MRONJ is critical for RA patients, and while withdrawing antiresorptive agents may not be effective, oral hygiene and thorough dental care prior to administration of antiresorptive agents are essential. Because managing MRONJ can be complex in patients with RA, cooperation between physicians and dentists is essential to minimize the incidence of MRONJ in RA patients and improve outcomes.
