Jaw problems (osteonecrosis) and cancer treatment

What is osteonecrosis?

Osteo means bone and necrosis means cell or tissue death. So, osteonecrosis (pronounced oss-tee-oh-neh-kro-sis) means death of bone tissue. Bone can die in any part of the body if its blood supply is cut off and the cells can’t get oxygen or food.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is when this happens in the jaw bone.

Symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)

The main symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw include:

• pain, swelling, or gum infections

• development of exposed bone in the mouth along either the top or bottom jaws

• loosening of teeth

• poor healing of the gums especially after dental work

• numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw

What treatments can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)?

Treatments that can occasionally cause osteonecrosis of the jaw in people with cancer include:

• bisphosphonates (medicines that help prevent or slow down bone thinning)

• denosumab (a type of targeted therapy called a monoclonal antibody)

Bisphosphonates and denosumab are a very important part of treatment for people with some types of cancer. They can help lower the risk of bone problems such as fractures. They can also lower the risk of developing a secondary bone cancer for some people.

More rarely other treatments can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw. These are treatments that interfere with cancer’s ability to develop a blood supply. Two examples are bevacizumab and sunitinib.

Radiotherapy to the jaw area can also cause osteonecrosis of the jaw and is called osteoradionecrosis.

This page is about osteonecrosis caused by cancer drugs. This is also called medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

Risk factors

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is an uncommon condition. The exact causes are not known. Possible factors that might increase the risk during bisphosphonate or denosumab treatment include:

• chemotherapy treatment

• steroid treatment

• having cancer

• diabetes

• a history of gum disease or mouth infections

• low levels of red blood cells (anaemia)

• dental surgery such as pulled teeth (extractions)

Doctors think that your risk might vary based on:

• the type of cancer you have

• the amount of the medicine you’ve had in total, across all your treatments. Doctors call this the cumulative dose

• how long you have been having bisphosphonates or denosumab for

People having monthly treatments to help control symptoms of secondary bone cancer are at the most risk, but remember the risk is still low.

The risk also depends on whether you have the medication as tablets or into a vein. The risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw is lower with tablet therapy.

Studies also suggest that nearly all of the people affected with osteonecrosis either wore dentures or had dental treatment in the previous year. This is why researchers think dental treatment is a risk factor.

People with myeloma seem to have a slightly higher risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw. It's important to remember that the risk is still low.

Lowering the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)

To lower the risk, you should have a dental examination and any necessary treatment before you start this type of treatment if you:

• have cancer

• are having chemotherapy

• are taking steroids

• have unhealthy teeth and gums

Dental treatment

You should avoid any invasive dental treatment while having this treatment. Such as extraction or insertion of dental implants. You can have fillings and routine cleaning. 

Talk to your specialist if you need dental treatment. They will tell you whether you should stop your bisphosphonates or denosumab beforehand. Talk to your cancer specialist before stopping your bisphosphonate or denosumab treatment.

Managing osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)

Your team will help you manage osteonecrosis of the jaw. What treatment you are likely to have depends on factors including:

• your type of cancer

• what medication you are taking

• how big the area of osteonecrosis is

• how well you are generally

Many people find that good mouth care, antibiotics and mouthwashes help to manage osteonecrosis.

Some people have surgery to treat the condition. This is less common.

If you develop osteonecrosis, your healthcare team will make a plan for your bisphosphonate or denosumab treatment.

Important information about jaw problems and bisphosphonate or denosumab treatment

Dental problems

Tell your doctor and dentist about any problems with your mouth. Always tell your dentist that you are taking bisphosphonate or other treatments that can cause osteonecrosis. 

Dental check ups

Have a dental check up and any treatment before you start taking these medicines. Have regular dental check ups.

You should avoid having any major surgical procedures to your mouth or jaw areas if possible. You will not be able to have dental implants.

If you need major dental treatment such as extractions your doctor might consider stopping your bisphosphonates for a few weeks before treatment. Your team will be cautious about restarting your bisphosphonate treatment. It will be when the site of the extraction has fully healed. 

Mouth infections

If you have any mouth infections you might need to take a course of antibiotics, and to use mouthwashes. 

For more severe infections you might need antibiotics into your bloodstream (intravenously).

Mouthcare

Clean your teeth regularly and carefully. 

Bisphosphonates with other treatments

Jaw problems are more likely in people who:

• have had bisphosphonates into the bloodstream for several years

• and have had treatment with chemotherapy and steroids at the same time

Where to find more information

You can find more information about bisphosphonates and denosumab in our cancer drugs information.

Go to our A to Z list of drugs