Alveolar bone

The alveolar bone, also known as the alveolar process, is the part of the jawbone (maxilla and mandible) that forms and supports the tooth sockets (alveoli) holding the teeth in place[3][5][7]. This highly specialized, mineralized tissue is composed of both cortical (compact) and trabecular (spongy) components, and forms in close association with the developing teeth[1][3][6][7]. It comprises two main regions: the alveolar bone proper (lining the socket, also called bundle bone/lamina dura/cribriform plate, into which Sharpey’s fibers from the periodontal ligament insert) and the supporting alveolar bone (the cortical and trabecular bone encasing the sockets)[3][5][7]. The alveolar bone is dynamic, constantly remodeled by the coordinated action of osteoclasts (bone resorption) and osteoblasts (bone formation), processes regulated by molecular pathways such as the RANK/RANKL/OPG axis[4]. Its principal functions are to anchor teeth, distribute occlusal forces, supply nutrients and nerves to the teeth and periodontium, and serve as a mineral reservoir. Loss of alveolar bone is a hallmark of periodontal disease and tooth loss leads to its resorption[1][3]. Key point: "Alveolar bone" is a tissue, not a molecular drug target, and does not fit canonical molecular target classification schemes. Because it is not a receptor, protein, or other standard target class, this entry is flagged as incorrect in the context of molecular or drug-target databases.

Other names

Alveolar processalveolar ridgebundle bonecribriform platealveolus