Anatomical Characteristics of the Alveolar Process and Basal Bone That Have an Effect on Socket Healing

Following tooth extraction, a sequence of events takes place in order to close the wound and restore tissue homeostasis, a process called socket healing. The outcome of socket healing includes a marked reduction of the ridge dimensions. The amount of tissue loss that occurs during healing is influenced by several local and systemic factors. Thus, the aim of the present review was to describe the effect of anatomical characteristics of the alveolar process and basal bone on the socket healing outcome. The studies included showed that the quantity (number) and quality (composition) of socket walls exhibited a significant influence on the ridge diminution. A damaged socket (3 walls or less), as well as a thin buccal bone wall, which quickly resorbs negatively affected the healing outcome. Periodontally compromised sockets appeared to promote more extensive dimensional changes. Angulation between tooth and basal bone in addition to basal bone dimensions may also have altered the wound environment and influenced socket healing. The findings from the present review suggest that some anatomical characteristics of the alveolar process and basal bone have an effect on socket healing.