Effects of krokodil (desomorphine) use on oral health

A 52-year-old man with a history of krokodil (desomorphine) use was admitted to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery with drug intoxication and severe pain in his jaw. During clinical and radiological examination, several sites of exposed necrotic bone with purulent discharge were seen. In krokodil-using patients osteonecrosis of the jaw is a frequently occurring manifestation. Other oral aspects associated with the use of krokodil include mucosal changes, a high risk of caries and periodontitis. Systemic effects can interfere with dental and oral and maxillofacial treatment. Treatment consists of sequestrectomy of the necrotic bone under general anaesthesia. The clinical picture of osteonecrosis in krokodil users is similar to cases of 'phossy jaw' and Medication Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ).