The Healing of Early-Stage Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw via Combined Medical and Low-Level Laser Therapy: A Preliminary Report

Purpose

Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) is the most severe and debilitating side effect experienced in the jaws of patients taking anti-resorptive and anti-angiogenic drugs for oncologic disease or osteoporosis. In the literature, the management of low-stage MRONJ is reported to be focused on infection control, pain reduction and preventing the progression and recurrence of necrotic bone formation, generally followed by surgical debridement. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a possible adjuvant procedure that also promotes the healing of hard and soft tissues in the oral cavity; its use is well-documented in MRONJ treatment mainly as an adjunctive treatment to surgery. The authors propose a therapeutic approach to early-stage MRONJ management in the preoperative workup during the drug suspension period, generally lasting at least 3 months, while waiting for the surgical procedure.