Bisphosphonates
Go to the cancer types section for information about treatment for your type of cancer
If your cancer is affecting your bones, or at risk of spreading to your bones, you might have treatment for this. These treatments can occasionally cause osteonecrosis of the jaw. Treatments include:
bisphosphonates (drugs that help prevent or slow down bone thinning)
denosumab (a type of targeted therapy called a monoclonal antibody)
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 (Avastin) 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.
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.
Have a dental check up and any treatment before you start taking these drugs. 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.
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).
Clean your teeth regularly and carefully.
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
Last reviewed: 13 Jun 2023
Next review due: 13 Jun 2026
Bisphosphonates are drugs that help prevent or slow down bone thinning (osteoporosis). They can help to treat some types of cancer that cause bone damage.
Bisphosphonates don’t usually cause too many side effects. They tend to be mild if you do have them.
Treatments can include surgery, radiotherapy and drug treatments (such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted cancer drugs). Find out about treatments and how to cope with side effects.
Search for the cancer type you want to find out about. Each section has detailed information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, research and coping with cancer.
Read more about how cancer might affect the calcium levels in your blood and what this could mean for you.
There are many cancer drugs, cancer drug combinations and they have individual side effects.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
What to ask your doctor about clinical trials.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
Image by credit test.
