How does bone loss after tooth extraction occur?

Lack of use: The bone will slowly resorb if no tooth is present. If you don't use it you lose it! a bone graft and a dental implant will prevent bone loss.

Lost stimulation: After extraction, the aveolar bone lost the stimulation from the tooth movement and starts resorption. It is kind like atrophy. Reserach showed, the surounding bone can lost 60-80 percent of its volume at the end of first year after extraction. To prevent bone loss after extraction, you should get bone grafting at the time of extraction. After 4-6 month, implant can be placed.

Infection: Tooth extraction may lead to more bone loss if the area of extraction is severly infected or inflammed. This is the reason why we should clean the area and prescribed antibiotic to treat the acute infection prior to extraction. Secondly, bone socket fracture also may lead to osteonecrosis and bone loss. Lastly, bisphosphonates (osteoporosis meds) cause onj and bone loss after extraction.