Recently, an increasing number of bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw(BRONJ) is being reported. A guideline has been already established
in the US, but it does not seem to be fully recognized by clinicians in Korea. Therefore, a survey study was done to inform and have clinicians
realize the seriousness of BRONJ.
1,341 practitioners were randomly selected out of 13,405 practitioners(by Feb of 2008, KDA) in Korea. A questionnaire was given to them between
May to July in 2008. Questions were designed to investigate each respondent’s experience term years in the clinic, occupation, speciality, awareness
on risk of bisphosphonate, experience on treating osteonecrosis patients, awareness about the guideline on BRONJ suggested by AAOMS and
whether if they ask about bisphosphonate medication history to patients before invasive treatment.
45.1% of the clinicians have reported on experiencing delayed healing on bone exposed site after extraction both in the maxilla and the mandible.
However, clinicians have asked the patients whether if they are on bisphosphonate or not in only 15.1% of these cases. 56.5% of the clinicians simply
knew about BRONJ but only 28.9% of the clinicians were aware that bisphosphonate can cause osteonecrosis after invasive dental treatment. Only
19.3% knew about the contents of guideline on BRONJ and 57.2% were aware of the seriousness of BRONJ. Clinicians with shorter clinical experience
term were more aware of BRONJ and the guideline on BRONJ than the experienced clinicians. But awareness of the possibility of BRONJ after
invasive dental treatment were about the same regardless of their clinical experience.
The results show that Korean clinicians need to be more aware about BRONJ. Data on BRONJ cases in Korea should be collected and provided
with additional education to let Korean clinicians know and be more aware about BRONJ.