Dental implants have been touted as capable of playing an active role in the maintenance of alveolar bone height, despite the lack of a sound biological basis to support this proposition. This paper reviews the biology of bone loss, the literature concerning alveolar bone remodeling in both the postextraction period and long term, and discusses the literature regarding the influence dental implant placement has on this process. Based on current evidence, implants do not have an active role in the preservation and maintenance of alveolar bone height. Following extraction of a tooth, no external influence has been identified that will prevent loss of bundle bone or alveolar bone remodeling. Additionally, the magnitude of change is patient, site, and time dependant. Further supporting evidence is required before it can be concluded that dental implants are capable of influencing alveolar bone remodeling.
Keywords: alveolar bone; alveolar bone loss; alveolar bone remodeling; dental implant; extraction socket remodeling.
© 2011 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.