Tooth loss promotes which bone change?

• A. Bone resorption
• B. Bone deposition
• C. Bone remodeling
• D. Osteogenesis

Answer: (A)

When a tooth is lost, the surrounding alveolar bone loses the functional stimulus provided by the tooth and its periodontal ligaments. That loss of mechanical loading signals osteoclasts to resorb bone, especially at the crestal area, leading to a decrease in ridge height and width over time. This net loss of bone is what bone resorption describes.

Bone deposition and osteogenesis are about forming new bone, which isn’t the typical outcome after tooth loss unless there’s an external stimulus (like grafting or orthodontic loading). Bone remodeling, while ongoing, results in a net resorptive change in the absence of functional load on the alveolar bone.