Residual Ridge Resorption (RRR)

Residual ridge resorption (RRR) is a term that is used to describe the changes which affect the alveolar ridge following tooth extractions, and which continue even after healing of the extraction socket. The most significant feature of this healing process is that the residual bony architecture of the maxilla and mandible undergoes a life-long catabolic remodelling. The rate of reduction in size of the residual ridge is maximum in the first three months and then gradually tapers off. However, bone resorption activity continues throughout life at a slower rate, resulting in loss of varying amount of jaw structure, ultimately leaving the patient a 'dental cripple'. Rehabilitation of a totally edentulous patient using a conventional complete removable denture is a routine clinical procedure, yet at times it can be a difficult and challenging process. All these patients have been through a period of edentulousness that varies from weeks to months or even years and the promise of having 'teeth' again often makes their expectations unrealistically high.