Principles and implications of site preservation for alveolar ridge development

The extraction of a tooth normally results in the loss of ridge height and width. Often, clinicians are faced with the management of edentulous sites that are less than optimal for prosthetic rehabilitation and implant restoration due to considerable alveolar ridge collapse after tooth removal. Site preservation using bone grafts or substitutes with and without a membrane maintain ridge dimensions and contours. However, some clinicians believe that such procedures are over-treatment. This paper reviews the concepts and indications for site preservation following tooth extraction for the purpose of facilitating implant placement and conventional prosthetic restoration.