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.