Alveolar Bone

Dr. Syed SadatullahCollege of Dentistry

King Khalid UniversityAbha

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Development of Alveolar Bone

Alveolar bone develops from the dental follicle

The ectomesenchymal cells of the dental follicle differentiate into osteoblasts and lay down the matrix called osteoid

Some osteoblasts become embedded in the matrix and are called osteocytes

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The Alveolar Bone

Alveolar bone or alveolar process is that portion of maxilla and mandible that supports the roots

If the teeth are lost the alveolar process disappears

It is composed of two parts; the alveolar bone proper and the supporting bone

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Alveolar Bone

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Alveolar Bone Proper

Alveolar bone proper is that part of alveolar bone that lines the sockets

It is a thin lamella of compact bone in which periodontal fibres are embedded

It is a specialized type of compact bone composed of bundle bone and Heversian bone

It is referred to as Bundle bone because it regularly penetrated by Sharpey’s fibres of the periodontal ligament

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Alveolar Bone

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Bundle Bone

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Radiographically alveolar bone proper is referred to as lamina dura

Lamina dura appears more dense and hence radio-opaque

In a radiograph the widening of lamina dura indicates periodontal pathology

In physiological movement of teeth, this bone is readily resorbed in zones of compression and is formed in zones of tension

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Radiographic appearance of alveolar bone proper as ‘Lamina Dura’

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Supporting bone

The remainder of the alveolar process below the alveolar bone proper is called the supporting bone

It is attached to the alveolar bone proper

Supporting bone includes the compact cortical plates on the outer surface and the spongy bone between the cortical plates and the alveolar bone proper

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Alveolar Bone Proper and Supporting Bone

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Cortical plates (Compact supporting bone)

The compact supporting bone of the alveolar process extends from the alveolar crest to the lower border of the socket on the outside surface of the maxilla and mandible

It is also called the cortical bone/plate

The cortical bone has Haversian systems, radiating lamellae with lacunae and canaliculi

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Haversion system in Compact Bone

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Spongy bone (Cancellous supporting bone)

Cancellous bone is located apically between the alveolar bone proper and the cortical bone

It is also called as spongy bone

It supports and strengthens the alveolar bone proper

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Compact and Cancellous Bone

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Interdental bone

The bone between the roots of adjacent single-rooted or multi-rooted teeth is called interdental bone

Interradicular bone

The bone between the roots of mulitrooted teeth is known as interradicular bone

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Fenestration

Fenestration is an area of root penetrating the bone in the apical region

Dehiscence

Dehiscence is an area of root penetrating the bone in the coronal region

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Fenestration and Dehiscence