Alveolar ridge preservation: why, when and how.

Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) is a method of decreasing bone resorption following tooth extraction and facilitating prosthetically-driven implant placement. An understanding of the physiological responses occurring after extraction and the effects of ARP are important in order to implement clinical procedures. ARP is a predictable way to reduce undesirable horizontal and vertical ridge reduction following extraction when dental implant treatment is to be delayed. Guided bone regeneration, socket fillers, socket sealers and growth factors have been used satisfactorily. However, there is currently no consensus on case selection, best clinical technique and material choice. Management of tooth extraction sockets is presented, with a focus on decision-making.