Bisphosphonates and periodontics: Potential applications for regulation of bone mass in the periodontium and other therapeutic/diagnostic uses

Bisphosphonates are widely utilized in the management of systemic metabolic bone disease due to their ability to inhibit bone resorption. Recently, new uses of this unique class of pharmacological agents have been suggested. Given their known affinity to bone and their ability to increase osteoblastic differentiation and inhibit osteoclast recruitment and activity, there exists a possible use for bisphosphonates in the diagnosis and management of periodontal diseases. These bone-specific properties could also provide an interesting management strategy to stimulate osteogenesis in conjunction with regenerative materials around osseous defects and may also result in the promotion of bone formation around endosseous implants. The objective of this article is to review the scientific evidence regarding the potential applications of bisphosphonate drugs in the therapeutic management of periodontal diseases. Moreover, the mechanism of action and the pharmacology of these drugs will be reviewed. Finally, the potential role of bisphosphonates regarding their potential to accelerate bone formation, in addition to their usual uses for inhibition of bone resorption, is discussed.