What percentage of ridge loss is expected four years after the extraction of deciduous teeth?

The percentage of ridge loss expected four years after the extraction of deciduous teeth is approximately 25%. This understanding is grounded in studies that assess the changes in the alveolar ridge following tooth loss, particularly in children where the growth patterns and bone remodeling processes take place during mixed dentition. Ridge resorption occurs due to a combination of factors including the lack of stimulation to the bone, changes in occlusion, and adaptation to new functional loads.

Research indicates that tooth extraction can initiate significant changes in the surrounding bone structure over time, leading to a typical loss of around a quarter of the ridge height within the first four years post-extraction. This statistic is crucial for orthodontic treatment planning and dental implant considerations, underscoring the importance of timely intervention to preserve the alveolar ridge.