Abstract—Research into the dimensional changes associated with immediate denture treatment is reviewed and a statistical survey of the author's work is presented. The forces associated with the dento‐alveolar complex are discussed, and a resumé of experimental work into the electrical and biomechanical properties of bone is presented. Stress generated potentials derived from the piezo‐electric effect and streaming potentials together with electrical osteogenesis are considered.The possible role that the immediate denture plays in reducing the dimensional changes which normally follow tooth extraction is presented in the light of this kno