Dr. Fleisher Discusses Monitoring Patients With ONJ

Kenneth E. Fleisher, DDS, Assistant Professor, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, New York University, College of Dentistry, explains the steps that oncology nurses can take to monitor patients with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).

During the clinical exam nurses should ask patients who their dentist is, what treatment or management they have received, and if they saw or were evaluated by a surgeon. Once these initial items are established the nurse should inquire into the treatment that is being given, whether it is antibiotics or a rinse, and if the patient's condition is improving.

If nurses detect a patient who's condition is worsening they should establish if the symptoms are progressive, getting worse, the amount of exposed bone, a worsening clinical exam, or degraded neurological symptoms. If the patient’s condition is worsening a new or alternative treatment should be considered.