Measurement of ridge alterations following tooth removal: a radiographic study in humans

The aim of this study was a radiographic mesiodistal analysis of the shape of the bone crest 3 months after tooth removal.

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.

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 ).

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.