28.4
Normal Tooth Anatomy
Supporting Structures: Alveolar Bone
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Anatomic landmarks of the alveolar process include the lamina dura, alveolar crest and the periodontal ligament space.
The shape and density of alveolar bone include both anterior and posterior regions |
Lamina Dura
The lamina dura is the wall of the tooth socket, made of dense cortical bone. The lamina dura appears as a dense, thin radiopaque line that surrounds the root of a tooth.
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Alveolar Crest
The most coronal portion of the alveolar bone found between teeth. The alveolar crest typically appears 1.5 to 2.0 mm. below the cementoenamel (CEJ) junction. Made of dense cortical bone and is continuous with the lamina dura
Periodontal Ligament Space
The space between the root of the tooth and the lamina dura. The PDL space contains connective tissue fibers, blood vessels and lymphatics. The periodontal ligament space appears as a thin radiolucent line around the root of a tooth. In a healthy periodontium the PDL spaces appears as a continuous radiolucent line of uniform thickness.
Shape and Density of Alveolar Bone: Anterior regions
Normal alveolar crest appears pointed and sharp between the teeth. The alveolar crest appears as a dense radiopaque line in the anterior region. Alveolar crest fibers run from the crest of the alveolar bone to the cementum in the region of the CEJ. The anterior alveolar crest normally appears pointed and sharp.
Shape and Density of Alveolar Bone: Posterior regions
Normal alveolar crest appears flat and smooth between the teeth. The alveolar crest in the posterior regions appears less dense and less radiopaque than the alveolar crest seen in the anterior region.
Exercise: Identify Normal Tooth Anatomy
Media Attributions
- Images courtesy of Iannucci & Howerton, Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 6th Edition, (2022), Chapter 28.
