After tooth extraction, the alveolar ridge will commonly decrease in
volume and change morphologically. These changes are usually clinically
significant and can make placement of a conventional bridge or an
implant-supported crown difficult. If bone resorption is significant
enough, then placement of an implant may become extremely challenging.
Postextraction maintenance of the alveolar ridge minimizes residual
ridge resorption and, thus, allows placement of an implant that
satisfies...
