title: Postextraction maintenance of the alveolar ridge: rationale and review.
abstract: Alveolar ridge resorption has long been considered an unavoidable consequence of tooth extraction and can be a significant problem in implant and restorative dentistry. Postextraction maintenance of the alveolar ridge minimizes residual ridge resorption and allows placement of an implant that satisfies both esthetic and functional criteria. Guided bone-regeneration techniques and the use of bone-replacement materials have been shown to enhance socket healing and potentially modify the resorption process. The prime indication for socket preservation is the prevention of alveolar-bone and soft-tissue collapse, which would cause unacceptable prosthesis esthetics. This review describes the rationale behind socket preservation, and the various techniques and materials used for extraction site grafting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka State, India.
authors.forename: Garima
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.forename: Raison
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Dhoom
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mehta
mesh_terms: D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000540:Alveolar Ridge Augmentation / Q000379:methods*; D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D016557:Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020390:Tooth Socket / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology