Alveolar Ridge Preservation: The Past, the Present, the Future.

Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) has become a fundamental toll in implant dentistry, aiming to minimize dimensional changes of the alveolar socket following tooth extraction and improve the success of implant-supported prostheses. The aim of this perspective article was to describe the evolution of ARP from its initial approaches to current techniques and to anticipate what ARP may become in the future. Early ARP techniques primarily involved autogenous and allogeneic bone grafts, with later adoption of biomaterials such as xenografts, alloplasts, and autologous blood derivatives. The biological mechanisms underlying socket healing were clarified by landmark studies that highlighted the importance of wound stability and scaffold properties of graft materials in reducing ridge reduction. Several studies showed that ARP is effective in minimizing the reduction of the alveolar ridge following tooth extraction, but they also demonstrated a wide variability due to the differences in surgical site anatomy and surgical protocols. Looking ahead, improved site selection, accelerated healing methods, and refined surgical protocols are anticipated to further enhance ARP efficacy.