Aminobisphosphonate-treated ewes as a model of osteonecrosis of the jaw and of dental implant failure.

Background: Bisphosphonate (BP)-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) and dental implant failure are two negative side effects of chronic aminoBP treatment.

Methods: Eleven ovariectomized (OVX) ewes and four ewes subjected to sham surgery (SHAM) were treated as follows: OVX (n = 5): OVX plus saline solution; zoledronic acid-treated group (ZOL) (n = 6): OVX plus ZOL; SHAM (n = 4): SHAM plus saline solution. Extraction of the first upper molar was performed at 1 year, dental implant placement at 2 years, and sacrifice at 28 months.