Approximately what percentage of buccolingual ridge width is lost following extraction of a maxillary central incisor if no preservation procedure is performed?

Correct answer: D. About 40–50%

• A. 70–80% overstates typical loss, though it may occur where the buccal plate was already dehisced.
• B. 20% is closer to the vertical height loss, not the horizontal width loss.
• C. 10% dramatically understates the remodeling that occurs.
• D. CORRECT. The classic Schropp and Araújo/Lindhe data show roughly 50% loss of buccolingual ridge WIDTH in the first 12 months after extraction, with about two-thirds of that occurring in the first 3 months. The BUCCAL plate resorbs disproportionately because it is thin and largely composed of bundle bone that depends on the PDL for its blood supply. Vertical loss is smaller, on the order of 1–2 mm.

Note: This is the entire rationale for socket/ridge preservation grafting and for immediate implant placement planning. Anticipate the buccal collapse before it happens.