Alveolar Process

Question 1

What is the alveolar process?

Answer 1

is the thickened ridge of bone that contains the tooth sockets (dental alveoli) on bones that hold teeth. In humans, the tooth-bearing bones are the maxillae and the mandible.

Question 2

What are some components of the alveolar bone?

Answer 2

2/3 inorganic - Ca, P, 65-70% hydroxyapatite crystals

1/3 organic - Type I collagen, proteoglycans, phosphoproteins

Question 3

How are the hydroxyapatite crystals aligned and why is this important?

Answer 3

The hydroxyapatite crystals are aligned with their long axis parallel to the long axis of the collagen fibers.
This type of arrangement affords strength under mechanical stresses.

Question 4

What is the lamina dura?

Answer 4

The lamina dura surrounds the tooth socket and provides the attachment surface with which the Sharpey’s fibers of the periodontal ligament perforate. On an x-ray a lamina dura will appear as a radiopaque line surrounding the tooth root. An intact lamina dura is seen as a sign of healthy periodontium.

Question 5

How does alveolar bone form?

Answer 5

Forms by intramembranous ossification

Question 6

What term is synonymous with alveolar bone proper in radiology?

Answer 6

Lamina dura

Question 7

What are some characteristics of the periosteum?

Answer 7

Covers outer surface of bone
Inner layer is osteoblasts
Outer layer is blood vessels, nerves
This layer is important for maintenance of collateral blood supply during surgeries.

Question 8

What are some characteristics of the endosteum?

Answer 8

Covers internal surface of bone
Single layer of osteoblasts
Active site for bone remodeling

Question 9

The alveolar bone between sockets is referred to as?

Answer 9

the interdental septum

Question 10

The height and thinkness of alveolar bone depends on what 3 things?

Answer 10

Alignment of teeth
Angulation of teeth
Direction of occlusal forces

Question 11

What is a fenestration?

Answer 11

It is a window like defect in bone through which root is visible.
Mostly occurs on facial surfaces where bone is thinner.

Question 12

What is Dehiscence?

Answer 12

It is root exposure seen as a V or U shaped defect.

In health, condition is commonly seen on anterior teeth, MB roots of 1st molars, and facial surfaces of premolars.

Question 13

What is Buttressing bone?

Answer 13

It is bone formation that occurs in response to occulsal trauma or orthodontic tooth movement.

Question 14

Compression of the PDL interferes with vascular blood flow and causes:

Answer 14

Localized destruction of the PDL and osteoclastic bone resorption.

Question 15

What happens on the tension side of the PDL during bone remodeling?

Answer 15

New bone is deposited in incremental layers and is histologically evidenced by osteoblasts and reformation of the PDL by fibroblasts.

Question 16

If a patients has excessive eccentric or parafunctional movements, what might happen to the periodontium?

Answer 16

The excessive forces may result in compression and necrosis of the interradicular PDL fiber bundles with alveolar bone loss.
Inflammation will accelerate this process.

Question 17

Interradicular bone loss in multi-rooted teeth is termed?

Answer 17

A furcation

Question 18

What happens when a tooth is without an antagonist or opposing prosthesis for 6 months or more?

Answer 18

Dystrophic changes occur within the PDL and alveolar bone. 
Narrow PDL 
Poor organization of PDL 
Decreased bony trabeculae 
Tooth mobility in severe cases.

Question 19

What types of bone quality are good for implants?

Answer 19

Type I and II is preferable for implants.