Effect of single and contiguous teeth extractions on alveolar bone remodeling: a study in dogs.

BACKGROUND Tooth extraction is associated with dimensional changes in the alveolar ridge. The aim was to examine the effect of single versus contiguous teeth extractions on the alveolar ridge remodeling. MATERIAL AND METHODS Five female beagle dogs were randomly divided into three groups on the basis of location (anterior or posterior) and number of teeth extracted - exctraction socket classification: group 1 (one dog): single-tooth extraction; group 2 (two dogs): extraction of two teeth; and group 3 (two dogs): extraction of three teeth in four anterior sites and four posterior sites in both jaws. The dogs were sacrificed after 4 months. Sagittal sectioning of each extraction site was performed and evaluated using microcomputed tomography. RESULTS Buccolingual or palatal bone loss was observed 4 months after extraction in all three groups. The mean of the alveolar ridge width loss in group 1 (single-tooth extraction) was significantly less than those in groups 2 and 3 (p < .001) (multiple teeth extraction). Three-teeth extraction (group 3) had significantly more alveolar bone loss than two-teeth extraction (group 2) (p < .001). The three-teeth extraction group in the upper and lower showed more obvious resorption on the palatal/lingual side especially in the lower group posterior locations. CONCLUSION Contiguous teeth extraction caused significantly more alveolar ridge bone loss as compared with when a single tooth is extracted.