[Expert consensus on perioperative management of tooth extraction in patients receiving denosumab therapy].

Abstract

Denosumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and is commonly used in the treatment of osteoporosis and cancer-related bone metastases. However, the persistent use of denosumab has been associated with an increasing incidence of denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (DRONJ), particularly following tooth extraction. This expert consensus aims to develop clinical management guidelines for the perioperative period of tooth extraction in patients who are currently receiving or have previously received denosumab therapy. The consensus covers the definition, etiology, epidemiology, staging, and risk factors of DRONJ, focusing on preoperative assessment, risk-based prevention strategies, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and postoperative follow-up protocols. The core management strategy for DRONJ emphasizes individualized decision-making based on a comprehensive preoperative assessment of medication history, local infection, and systemic conditions. The main risk factors for DRONJ include high-dose and long-term denosumab therapy, preexisting oral infections, such as periodontitis and periapical periodontitis, and invasive dental procedures, including tooth extraction, diabetes, and concomitant use of glucocorticoids or antiangiogenic agents. Core preventive measures include strict perioperative oral care, risk assessment-based antibiotic prophylaxis, long-term drug holidays, which were developed by dentists and physicians prio-ritizing the primary disease, and minimally invasive surgical techniques for managing trauma, preserving local blood supply, thoroughly removing infected tissues, and ensuring tight wound closure. This consensus highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between dental and clinical medicine experts in managing DRONJ. High-quality research is necessary to provide an evidence-based foundation for optimizing DRONJ prevention and treatment strategies.