What is Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ)?

Oral surgeons have described ONJ as a condition in which the bone tissue fails to heal (osteo/bone and necrosis/death) after dental trauma, including tooth extractions, oral surgery and other common dental procedures.ONJ can cause chronic pain, dysfunction and disfigurement. Though current treatments involve long-term antibiotics therapy and surgical removal of the dead bone, there is no known effective remedy. Symptoms of “dead jaw” include irregular sores with exposed bone, pain or swelling in the infected jaw, infection (possibly with pus) and altered sensation (numbness).The highest risk factors for ONJ are:

1) taking bisphosphonates, especially in IV form


2) traumatic dental procedure, such as tooth extraction or dental implants, while taking bisphosphates


3) concurrent use of steroids


4) previous history of cancer, osteoprorsis or Paget’s disease

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Get Help Now

Fill this out for a FREE case review.

Getting Started

Briefly type in what happened.
That’s all it takes to start the conversation, and, together, we will decide if Terrell • Hogan is the injury and wrongful death law firm to help you.

Sending your message means you are familiar with the purpose of this website.

About The Author

Laura Hack

Laura Hack

Laura Hack is a paralegal with Terrell • Hogan. She has been with the firm since 1996 and has worked primarily for Wayne Hogan. She is an experienced Paralegal with 30+ years of working in the law practice industry. Skilled in Appeals, Civil Trial Litigation Support, Torts, Trial Practice, and Pleadings.