Residual ridge resorption - a review of etiology

Residual ridge resorption-etiology

Abstract

Residual ridge (RR) is a term used for the clinical alveolar ridge after healing of bone and soft tissues following tooth extraction. The residual ridge undergoes resorption, which is most rapid during the first six months; thereafter, the bone resorption continues throughout life at a slower rate, resulting in the removal of a large amount of the jaw structure. This unique phenomenon has been described as the residual ridge resorption (RRR). RRR has major nutritional, aesthetic, anatomic, functional and prosthetic implications. However, the etiology of residual ridge resorption is still not fully understood. Possibly, certain cytokines and genetic differences between individuals affect RRR process. Several studies have strongly pointed at a correlation between genes affecting healing of the periodontium and resorption of the residual ridge. Single nucleotide polymorphism studies on genes associated with the alveolar bone health may explain the etiology, define the risk and provide novel targets for personalized management of the disease. Further studies need to be undertaken to uncover the genetic susceptibility of edentulous patients to accelerated RRR. This article reviews the factors affecting the RRR.