The Influence of Complete Dentures on Residual Alveolar Ridge Resorption Complete dentures are an important prosthodontic treatment for completely edentulous patients because they restore masticatory function and speech while improving facial appearance and oral health related quality of life. Despite these benefits residual alveolar ridge resorption remains a significant biological challenge that may gradually affect denture retention stability and support. Understanding this process is essential for achieving successful long term prosthodontic outcomes (1,2) The alveolar process is a tooth dependent structure that undergoes continuous remodeling in response to biological and functional stimuli. Following tooth extraction the loss of periodontal ligament stimulation initiates changes that lead to reductions in alveolar bone height and width. This process is known as residual ridge resorption and may continue throughout the patient’s lifetime. Its severity varies among individuals and depends on anatomical characteristics systemic health bone metabolism and local functional conditions. The mandibular ridge often presents greater clinical difficulties than the maxillary ridge particularly in patients with advanced bone loss (1,3,4,5) Complete dentures transfer masticatory forces to the residual alveolar ridges and surrounding supporting tissues. However conventional tissue supported dentures cannot completely prevent bone resorption. Excessive occlusal forces poor denture adaptation and uneven pressure distribution may contribute to localized tissue trauma and reduced prosthetic stability. Nevertheless residual ridge resorption is a multifactorial process and cannot be explained by mechanical loading alone. Biological changes and individual patient characteristics also influence its progression (1,2,3) Several prosthodontic principles can help reduce unfavorable loading and improve denture performance. Accurate preliminary and definitive impressions contribute to appropriate recording of the supporting tissues and better denture adaptation. Proper border extension and suitable denture base design help distribute functional forces across the available supporting area. Establishing correct jaw relationships and achieving balanced occlusal contacts may improve stability and reduce avoidable lateral forces. These procedures aim to improve function and protect supporting tissues rather than eliminate the biological process of bone resorption (1,3) Regular clinical follow up is essential for maintaining denture function over time. Progressive changes in the residual ridge may result in poor adaptation altered occlusion and reduced stability. Periodic examination allows clinicians to identify pressure areas mucosal inflammation and other complications at an early stage. Depending on the clinical findings denture adjustment relining or replacement may be necessary to restore adequate support and comfort. Patient education regarding denture hygiene maintenance and regular attendance also contributes to long term treatment success (5) Implant retained overdentures may be considered for selected patients who experience inadequate retention or stability with conventional dentures. These treatment options can improve prosthesis retention and patient satisfaction. However their effects on residual ridge resorption vary according to treatment design and individual clinical circumstances. Evidence from systematic reviews indicates that differences in ridge resorption depend on several factors and does not support considering implant therapy a universal method for preventing bone loss (2) In conclusion complete dentures provide important functional and psychological benefits for edentulous patients but do not prevent residual alveolar ridge resorption. Appropriate impression techniques careful occlusal design optimal denture adaptation and regular professional monitoring may help minimize unfavorable mechanical loading and maintain supporting tissue health. Recognizing the biological limitations of conventional dentures and providing individualized prosthodontic care are essential for improving patient comfort and achieving successful long term outcomes. References 1. Atwood DA. Reduction of residual ridges: a major oral disease entity. J Prosthet Dent. 1971;26(3):266–279. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3913(71)90069-2 2. Pham NQ Gonda T Maeda Y Ikebe K. Average rate of ridge resorption in denture treatment: a systematic review. J Prosthodont Res. 2021;65(4):429–437. https://doi.org/10.2186/jpr.JPR_D_20_00075 3. Kelsey CC. Alveolar bone resorption under complete dentures. J Prosthet Dent. 1971;25(3):152–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3913(71)90101-6 4. Atwood DA Coy WA. Clinical cephalometric and densitometric study of reduction of residual ridges. J Prosthet Dent. 1971;26(3):280–295. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3913(71)90070-9 5. Borges GA Borges MHR Dini C Marcello-Machado RM Barão VAR Mesquita MF. Prognosis of removable complete dentures considering the level of mandibular residual ridge resorption: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Oral Investig. 2025;29(6):307. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-025-06379-1