Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2025 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

After the extraction of molar teeth, understanding the patterns of bone resorption is crucial for planning further dental procedures such as implants or prosthetics. In this context, the correct statement indicates that, compared to the pre-resorption state, the mandibular ridge experiences more bone loss from the lingual aspect than from the buccal aspect.

This phenomenon occurs due to several anatomical and physiological factors. The mandibular bone is denser than the maxillary bone; when a tooth is removed, the pressure and functional loads that were previously applied to the tooth and surrounding structures are also removed. Consequently, the residual bone in the mandible is subject to resorption, particularly in areas that are less mechanically stressed. The lingual aspect tends to have less functional stimulation and loading compared to the buccal side. Over time, this leads to a pronounced resorption of the bone on the lingual side of the mandible.

Understanding this aspect is vital when assessing how to maintain ridge height or when considering implants since resorption patterns affect the overall bone structure and stability after extractions. These changes must be considered when planning restorations or prosthetic solutions to ensure proper aesthetics and functional outcomes.