Osteoradionecrosis – an update for the general dental practitioner

This review provides an update for the general dental practitioner (GDP) on osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws, covering aetiopathogenesis, key diagnostic features, disease classification and basic management principles. ORN can occur as a complication of therapeutic radiotherapy, leading to bone necrosis in the jaws that may be detected radiographically or clinically.We report on a 48-year-old patient who developed ORN secondary to pre-radiotherapy removal of a wisdom tooth. This patient's disease has been treated effectively, and they have now undergone implant-based restorative oral rehabilitation. Clinical photographs and radiographs have been included to highlight the key diagnostic features of this condition.Risk factors for ORN including therapeutic dose of radiation, patient, tumour and dental factors are explored. Prevention is a key consideration when managing patients with ORN to reduce the risk of dental disease, as infections, loss of teeth or extractions may precipitate the condition. GDPs have a key role in managing these patients as part of a shared-care model with hospital specialties.