Alveolar ridge resorption after tooth extraction: A consequence of a fundamental principle of bone physiology

(a) A mandible section containing one tooth (bottom) or one extraction socket (top), as seen from above. The mandible section is subjected to bending in a horizontal plane with a specific bending moment (M_z). The stiffness of the mandible section is the same in these two cases. Consequently, the strains are the same. (b) When the extraction socket is filled with bone, it becomes stiffer and the strains are reduced. (c) A mandible section containing one tooth (bottom) or one extraction socket (top). The mandible section is subjected to bending in a vertical plane with a specific bending moment (M_y). The stiffness of the mandible section is the same in these two cases. Consequently, the strains are the same. (d) When the extraction socket is filled with bone, it becomes stiffer and the strains are reduced.