Lack of functional force or stress shielding leads to loss of alveolar bone height and width.

• A. False
• B. Depends on age
• C. Depends on bone type
• D. True

Answer: (D)

Functional loading keeps the alveolar bone maintained; chewing forces transmitted through the periodontal ligament provide the stimulus that maintains bone mass and structure. When there is no functional force, the bone experiences disuse remodeling, leaning toward resorption. This loss of mechanical strain leads to thinning of the bone and reduction in both height and width of the alveolar ridge.

Stress shielding compounds this by shifting load away from the surrounding bone to a rigid prosthetic or implant structure. With reduced strain on the alveolar bone, the remodeling response favors resorption, especially at the crestal region, contributing to height and width loss.

The principle holds across ages and bone types—the rate of change may vary, but the concept that lack of functional load or stress shielding drives alveolar bone loss remains true.