Alveolar bone

Question 1

Discuss general characteristics of alveolar bone

Answer 1

• The alveolar bone is formed during birth
• Alveolar bone is made of a calcified matrix of osteocytes
* There is a balance between deposition by osteoblasts and resorption by osteoclasts

Question 2

Define the alveolar process and describe the layers that compose it

Answer 2

• The alveolar process is the bone that forms and supports the tooth sockets
  • The cancellous bone and cortical bones are supportive structures
• The alveolar bone proper is the inner socket wall, which is perforated by tiny holes to enable
• Nerves and blood fibres to pass through

Question 3

Define alveolus

Answer 3

The bony socket or cavity that houses each tooth is called the “alveolus”- plural form of alveolus = “alveoli”

Question 4

Explain the function of the alveolar bone in the periodontium

Answer 4

• Forms and protects the sockets for teeth
• Is where the Sharpey’s fibres of the periodontal ligament attach, thus providing attachment for the periodontal ligament
• It supports the tooth’s roots labially and palatally/lingually
* Helps absorb forces placed on tooth

Question 5

Describe the characteristics of cortical versus cancellous (spongy) bone

Answer 5

• Cortical bone: It is a layer of compact bone that forms the hard wall of the maxilla and mandible on the facial and lingual aspects. It surrounds the alveolar proper
* Cancellous bone: Is a lattice-like structure which forms the interior portion of the alveolar process

Question 6

Define alveolar crest and explain its appearance on radiographs

Answer 6

• Thealveolar crestis the most coronal part of the alveolar process
• In a healthy situation, thealveolar crestis slightly apical to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) by approximately 1.5 to 2 mm
• Thealveolar crestsof neighboring teeth are also uniform in height along the jaw in healthy situation
• May appear as a radiographic, translucent line
* With anterior teeth, it is more pointed. With posterior teeth, it is more flat

Question 7

Describe the periosteum and its function

Answer 7

• It is a dense layer of tissue that lines the outside of the bone and plays an active role in bone formation
• Fibrous outer layer is responsible for attachment of tissue to bone
• Cambium layer contains progenitor cells that develop into osteoblasts
* Becomes unstable if periodontal disease is present

Question 8

List factors that affect the alveolar bone

Answer 8

• Age 
• Disease related change 
• Hormones 
• Host factors 
• Systemic disease 
• The amount of occlusal forces
* Tooth extraction
* Alignment of teeth