Alveolar bone resorption

Periodontal disease is characterized by a sequence of chronic oral inflammation and excessive alveolar bone resorption (i.e., receding alveolar bone) that results in root surface exposure of teeth, increased sensitivity, eventual detachment of the periodontal ligament, and subsequent tooth loss. Alveolar ridge bone exhibits intrinsic porosity, a structural fragility, and a proximity to vasculature that in effect virtually ensures it has the potential to be a vulnerable site in times of rapid bone resorption, much like the trabecular-rich regions in the hip and spine. Subsequent retention of the quantity and quality of bone in edentulous jaws also becomes critically important in terms of being able to provide surface support for dental implants and dentures that are desirable for both functional and cosmetic purposes (Bodic et al., 2005) (Figure 6.4). 

Ohya, K., Amano, H., and Ogura, H. (1992). Alveolar bone resorption process in the molar tooth region in calcium-deficient rats. Kohibyo Gakkai Zasshi 59,585-593. 

Kribbs, P. J., Smith, D. E. and Chesnut, C. H., III. 1983. Oral findings in osteoporosis. Part II Relationship between residual ridge and alveolar bone resorption and generalized skeletal ostopenia. J. Prosthet. Dent. 5, 719-724. 

Periodontitis is a dental condition caused by bacteria where plaque-induced inflammatory changes affect the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone leading to loss of the periodontal structure and resorption of the alveolar bone. Periodontitis that, unlike gingivitis, is not reversible, tends to be chronic and requires referral. 

Boix D, Weiss P, Gauthier O, Guicheux J, Bouler JM, Pilet P, et al. Injectable bone substitute to preserve alveolar ridge resorption after tooth extraction a study in dog. J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2006 Nov 17(11) 1145-52. 

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