1. 1. Resorption of bone is a normal process. Its balance to bone apposition may be either physiologic or pathologic and is dependent upon multiple factors. 2. 2. Treatment of rapid (pathologic) resorption is difficult because the multiple factors are interrelated and it is impossible to evaluate clinically or roentgenographically the precise part played by each. 3. 3. A normal bone picture requires that all known body fluids and elements, both intrinsic and extrinsic, are in proper harmony and composition. 4. 4. When bone loss is rapid and abnormal in the residual ridges, evidence of general skeletal osteoporosis is also present. This acquits the denture base from being the sole cause in abnormal resorption. 5. 5. Disuse atrophy occurs in the edentulous mouth whether or not a denture is worn. 6. 6. Pressure of a denture base on the bone of the residual ridge is a violation to the natural way that bone receives pressure because it is transmitted through vascular tissue. If the pressure does not alter the blood supply to the embarrassment of the bone or cause inflammation of the mucoperiosteum so that it becomes a causative factor of resorption by creating capillary pressure, the denture base could provide stimuli for reduced resorption. 7. 7. Stress, regardless of its cause, always produces an alarm reaction which increases the rate of bone resorption. 8. 8. Dysfunction of the endocrine glands causes an obscure but drastic effect on the rate of bone replacement, the organic matrix, and the rate of bone resorption. Hormonal or plurihormonal administration offers great possibility for control of resorption. 9. 9. Many people are deficient in nutritional requirements necessary for the normal metabolism of bone. Vitamins, minerals, and proteins demands have potential beneficial effects when properly oriented in the diet. A panvitamin program has prophylactic value. Adequate mineral intake must be assured for a normal bone picture. Protein is the most important nutritional factor in its effect on bone. An edentulous condition necessitates the protection of a high protein-low carbohydrate diet. 10. 10. The factors influencing bone resorption in young adults are primarily those of traumatic and inflammatory nature, with pressure, tension, stress, and nutrition playing the dominant part. Control of resorption for this age group can be managed effectively by sound prosthetic procedures and adequate dietary measures. 11. 11. As the edentulous patient ages, the geriatric problems of lower protein metabolism, lower resistance to stress, alimentary failure, and endocrine complications come into the picture and management becomes more complex.