Adjunctive use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in the treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws : a case report

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is a delayed healing condition commonly recognized as a serious adverse effect of antiresorptive therapy and is particularly associated with aminobisphosphonate treatment. In the present report, a 62-year-old osteoporotic female patient treated with intramuscular injections of clodronate for 3 years exhibited clinical signs of exposed necrotic bone and inflamed mucosa 4 months after tooth extractions in the mandibular interforaminal region. The treatment consisted of sequestrectomy, open-flap debridement, and adjunctive use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy to decontaminate the affected hard and soft tissues. Successful results were obtained and maintained from both clinical and radiological aspects. No recurrence was observed up to 6 months of follow-up.