Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question
After maxillary tooth extraction, the alveolar ridge resorbs in which direction?
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Correct answer: D. Superoposteriorly (upward and toward the posterior/palatal)
- A. The resorption is not purely vertical — it has a distinct posterio-palatal component.
- B. The mandibular ridge resorbs in an inferoanterior direction — the opposite pattern from the maxilla.
- C. Lateral (buccal) resorption is not the primary direction of post-extraction maxillary ridge resorption.
- D. Correct. After maxillary tooth extraction, the alveolar ridge resorbs in a SUPEROPOSTERIOR direction (upward and toward the palate). This is because the labial plate of bone is thinner and resorbs faster, causing the ridge to move superiorly and slightly posteriorly/palatally. This is why maxillary dentures become unstable over time.
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