Figure 37. Alveolar atrophy Following multiple- or single-tooth extraction and the subsequent loss of masticatory function, the alveolar ridge will present a series of adaptive alterations known as alveolar atrophy. The alveolar atrophy is characterized by a reduction in the dimensions of the alveolar ridge that is a combination of hard and soft tissue changes.

Figure 16. Macroanatomy of alveolar process This image shows a cross section of the maxillary alveolar process at the mid-root level of the teeth. The bone between the roots of a tooth is called interradicular bone or interradicular septum. The bone between the roots of adjacent teeth is called interdental bone or interdental septum. Trabecular bone occupies most of the interdental bone. The ...

Figure 7. Parts of lveolar process The alveolar process, as previously mentioned, is composed of two parts, the alveolar bone proper and the supporting bone. The alveolar bone proper is the bone that lines the socket of a tooth. The function of the alveolar bone proper, together with the root cementum and the periodontal ligament, is to form the attachment apparatus of the tooth.

Figure 6. Tooth-dependent structure The alveolar process contains the roots of the teeth and developing tooth buds of unerupted teeth. It is a tooth-dependent part of the jaws, since it forms in response to the development and eruption of the teeth. Its final volume and shape are determined by the form of the teeth, their axis of eruption, and their eventual inclination.

Figure 4. Alveolar process The bone that supports teeth in the maxilla and mandible may be divided into two parts. As can be seen in this diagram of the mandible, the part that contains the roots of the teeth and developing tooth buds of unerupted teeth is known as the alveolar process, or alveolar bone. The bone of the alveolar process is continuous with the second part, the basal bone of th...