Oral bisphosphonates and dental implants: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE The objective of this retrospective study was to examine whether patients who take medications containing bisphosphonates (BPs) are at greater risk of bone graft and implant failure than other patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study involved the examination of 42 patients (101 implants) who had taken medications containing BPs prior to surgeries involving oral bone grafting or endosseous implant placement. Patients had been taking BP medications from 6 months to 11 years prior to implant surgery, and most continue to take these medications through the present time. Patients were examined to determine implant loss, changes in pocket depth bleeding on probing, the height of the ridge, and any evidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw. RESULTS Five implants failed, giving a 95% success rate, which is comparable to the normal success rate of 96.5% by the same operator. No patient showed signs of osteonecrosis of the jaw. CONCLUSION Patients who take oral BPs are no more at risk of implant or bone graft failure than other patients.