[Physiopathology of the edentulous crest. Possibilities of the pharmacologic inhibition of pre- and post-operative bone resorption].

The biological causes of edentulous alveolar crest reabsorption are examined in the light of recent discoveries on the physiopathology of bone metabolism. The main techniques used for the classification of patients in terms of bone metabolism type are then described and the question of whether any currently available pharmacological treatment is capable of preparing for, supporting, preserving or even effectively replacing preprosthetic surgery is posed.