[Current knowledge on resorption of the edentulous alveolar ridge]

Due to inside physiological processes of the bone tissue of the residual ridge, the above is identical with the bone tissue in other parts of the body. All bones which contain a larger percentage of substance spongiosa are very sensitive to the changes in remodelation. In mandibula the arrangement of the bone trabeculas is in the same direction with the spongious bone traectoria. In maxillae, functional demands for transmitting the forces, are fulfilled by a larger number of trabeculas per square unit. The atrophia of the residual ridge was a result of teeth loss, which means that there was no working tension on the bone, affected by the periodontal ligament in a physiological way.

The resent knowledge of the above problems indicates that inflammation and pressure which develop under the mobile denture cause an intensive process of resorption of edentulous arch. In periodontitis the connection between lymphocytes and other inflammatory cells on one side, and the residual bone resorption level on the other side, were proved by stereometrical methods. The ELISA method proved that cytokine interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-1 beta and the tumor necrosis factor alpha, were the major factors in the stimulation of bone resorption, and inhibitatory of the above, as well. Mononucleous blood cells under the influence of the Porphyromonas gingivalis were forming interleukin-1 which explains that the etiology of bone resorption can be affected by the infection, too.

It has been proved that there is a direct relation between the pressure under the mobile denture and the residual ridge resorption level on the other side. It seems that the frontal areas of the edentulous are more susceptible to resorption. It is considered that the orthopantomography is the most acceptable method in level measuring of the reduction of residual ridge. The advantages of the above method are simplicity, precision, repeating possibilities, and comparation of the radiographs in time interval which makes it possible to control the development of changes. Densitometric measuring of osteoporotic changes is also possible, due to above method.

The scientific contribution to research and prevention of negative consequences of the residual ridge resorption is the most valuable. Tere were many possibilities in using the indirect physiological role of piezoelectric field on the osteoclasts and activation by the AKMA. The effect of the fluor in drinking water as the element which has preventive role in reduction of the residual ridge, has been established. Due to the fact that the occlusal pressure which transmits itself through the mobile denture has an important role in resorption of the residual ridge, acts of terciare prevention include application of soft acrylates and reduction of occlusal surface.