title: Measurement of ridge alterations following tooth removal: a radiographic study in humans.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was a radiographic mesiodistal analysis of the shape of the bone crest 3 months after tooth removal.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred single tooth extractions were performed on 100 patients because of orthodontic or prosthetic causes. Bite blocks were used for two radiographs: one on the day of extraction and the other after healing of the socket, 3 months later. These X-rays were used to determine: (1) the most apical distance of alveolar ridge resorption, with baseline as the line between bone-to-teeth contact (the greatest distance in bone resorption height) and (2) the mesiodistal distance (MDD) and mesial and distal angles arising after bone tissue modeling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant differences (P<0.05) emerged between the MDDs of multiple- [8 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.09, 9.90] and single-root teeth (5.60 mm, 95% CI: 4.80, 6.50). However, mesial or distal angles or the most apical distance of alveolar ridge resorption did not differ (mean distance in height=4.32 mm, 95% CI: 3.85, 4.78; mean angle=24 degrees ).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this study, the post-extraction mesiodistal bone distance between teeth adjacent to the edentulous ridge depends on the size of the edentulous space. Nevertheless, the distance does not affect the distance in bone loss height. The distance of bone resorption height reaches a balance at the midpoint, which we consider indicative of stable healing. This resorption process must be considered when placing dental implants in fresh extraction sockets, especially in aesthetic sites, because the implant surfaces could be exposed after 3 months.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, University of Murcia, University Clinic of Dentistry, Murcia, Spain. mjmvillaescusa@hotmail.com
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Moya-Villaescusa
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sánchez-Pérez
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020390:Tooth Socket / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging