Post-extraction remodeling of the adult mandible

Following tooth loss, the mandible shows an extensive loss of bone in some individuals. This may pose a significant problem in the prosthodontic resto ration of function and esthetics. The many factors which have been proposed as being responsible for the inter-individual variation in post-extraction remodeling mean that a perfunctory analysis of the literature, in which we ll-controlled, relevant studies are scarcer may not provide the whole story . This article reviews the local and systemic factors which may play a role in the post-extraction remodeling of the mandible. Since severe residual r idge resorption may occur even when the bone status in the rest of the skel eton is good and vice versa, it is concluded that local functional factors are of paramount significance. It is now essential to determine how they ca n be modified and applied to help maintain ridge height and quality in our aging, edentulous population.