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Oral Surgery · single question

After a bisphosphonate-using patient who also had radiation therapy requires extraction, WHY must the dentist contact the oncologist?

  1. To determine the radiation dose received
  2. To get permission to use local anesthetic
  3. To arrange IV bisphosphonate discontinuation
  4. To know all of the patient's conditions and risk factors
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. To know all of the patient's conditions and risk factors

  • A. The specific radiation dose is part of knowing the patient's conditions but not the primary reason.
  • B. Local anesthetic does not require oncologist permission.
  • C. IV bisphosphonate drug holidays are a separate clinical decision — the main purpose of contacting the oncologist is full medical history review.
  • D. Correct. The primary reason to contact the oncologist is to obtain a comprehensive understanding of all the patient's conditions — including active cancer status, radiation field involvement, bisphosphonate type and duration, and overall health status — to assess MRONJ risk and develop a safe treatment plan.

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