Figure 39. Alveolar atrophy
The amount of tissue atrophy can also be influenced by factors such as pre-existing pathological processes and excessive pressure from a removable prosthesis.
Figure 38. Reduction in dimension
This reduction occurs in both the horizontal and the vertical dimension, and as a result the arch is shortened. The amount of tissue atrophy following the loss of a single tooth can be substantial and is variable between different teeth and areas of the alveolar process.
Figure 37. Alveolar atrophy
Following multiple- or single-tooth extraction and the subsequent loss of masticatory function, the alveolar ridge will present a series of adaptive alterations known as alveolar atrophy. The alveolar atrophy is characterized by a reduction in the dimensions of the alveolar ridge that is a combination of hard and soft tissue changes.