[Prevention of alveolar bone loss].

This article describes the bone resorption and remodeling of the edentulous jaw, starting right after extraction of teeth. This resorption is a physiological process, but can be influenced by wearing dentures. Load on the mucosa and disturbed blood circulation of the mucosa caused by the denture gives an additional bone resorption. The prevention of bone resorption can be executed in saving teeth or roots as long as possible. But when the jaw is already edentulous it is necessary to create an optimal function and load-dividing of the denture and regular controls are indicated. From time to time the denture has to be rebased or relined due to the changes in contour of the jaw. Also a daily massage of the mucosa after cleaning the denture is advisable to restore a normal blood circulation.