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Hard and Soft Tissue Dimensional Changes Following Tooth Extraction: A Clinical and Radiological Pilot Study
Julie Rohban1, Abdallah Menhall1, Pierre Lahoud1
1Department of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, LBN.
Cureus
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Tooth extraction causes significant bone resorption and gingival retraction within four months. These post-extraction dimensional changes are crucial for planning surgical and prosthetic treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Dental Implantology
- Digital Dentistry
Background:
- Tooth extraction leads to dimensional changes in alveolar bone and soft tissues.
- Predicting and quantifying these changes is essential for successful dental reconstructions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate soft and hard tissue dimensional changes at extraction sites using digital technology.
- To assess horizontal and vertical changes in bone and gingival tissues post-extraction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and digital impressions before and after extraction.
- Employed virtual model superimposition with Medit® Design and BlueSkyPlan® software.
- Measured horizontal and vertical dimensional changes in soft and hard tissues.
Main Results:
- Observed significant horizontal gingival retraction (27.40% at L0) and hard tissue resorption (24.39% at L0).
- Significant differences in soft and hard tissue thickness were noted before and after extraction (p < 0.05).
- Mean vertical soft tissue retraction was 0.94 mm buccally and 1.21 mm lingually; hard tissue resorption was 1.92 mm buccally and 1.71 mm lingually.
Conclusions:
- Extensive bone resorption and gingival retraction occur within four months post-extraction.
- These dimensional alterations necessitate careful consideration in treatment planning.
- Digital technology aids in quantifying post-extraction tissue changes.