[Effects of bisphosphonates on alveolar bone resorption in experimental periodontitis].

Bisphosphonates (BPs) have been successfully used to treat bone diseases such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, and hypercalcemia of malignancy, which are associated with excessive bone resorption. Periodontitis is also characterized by excessive bone resorption which could lead tooth loss. In this paper, the author described about effects of BPs on alveolar bone resorption in experimental periodontitis, and discussed about the possible use of BPs for the treatment of periodontitis in the clinic.