Osteonecrosis of the jaws: a complication of cancer chemotherapy.

Two unusual cases of osteonecrosis of the jaws in edentulous patients are described. One case involved the maxilla and the other the mandible. Both patients were compromised hosts who were undergoing cancer chemotherapy. Both developed local mucosal infections beneath their dentures before the bone became involved. The role of dentures in producing local irritation and in masking the problem is discussed.