[Prevention of alveolar ridge resorption after tooth extraction--a review]

Alveolar bone resorption is frequently observed after tooth extraction. Atrophy of the alveolar ridge may cause esthetic and surgical problems in prosthetic dentistry. Augmentative measures may thus be required to guarantee optimal prosthetic replacement of the lost tissues. Augmentative bone treatment may result in extensive surgical interventions and increased treatment costs. Alveolar ridge prophylaxis immediately upon tooth extraction may reduce such sequelae for both, the treating dentist and the patient. Attempts to reduce alveolar bone resorption have included the placement of natural roots, root analogues, and immediate implants into the extraction socket, sometimes in combination with membrane or graft techniques. In the current review of the literature, techniques for alveolar ridge preservation are discussed.