Current status of the influence of osteoporosis on periodontology and implant dentistry.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes recent evidence on the impact of osteoporosis on periodontonlogy and implant dentistry, prevalence of diseases, pathophysiology and treatment outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS: Patients with osteoporosis should be advised about the importance of returning for periodical periodontal maintenance as inadequate oral care may lead to a faster development of periodontitis. There is no definitive information on the development of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with dental implant therapy. Patients presenting severe periodontitis, undergoing intravenous bisphosphonate therapy (for long-term periods) and submitted to more invasive periodontal/peri-implant surgical procedures (that can promote superior dentoalveolar surgical trauma) might be advised about the possibility of developing bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw following dental therapy. Thus, individualized risk evaluation must be undertaken by both the medical and dental teams prior to any dental treatment.

SUMMARY: The most recent literature on the impact of osteoporosis on the periodontal and peri-implant tissues was reviewed to emphasize the importance of oral hygiene measures, and the combined medical/dental assessment of importance when osteoporotic patients are in need of dentoalveolar surgical procedures (e.g. tooth extraction and dental implant placement).