Crestal Bone
The most coronal portion of the alveolar bone that forms the crest of the interdental septum between adjacent teeth.
Full Definition
Crestal bone refers to the highest level of the alveolar bone, visible radiographically as the bone crest between teeth or, in the edentulous ridge, as the ridge apex. Loss of crestal bone height is a key radiographic indicator of periodontal disease progression and is measured from identifiable landmarks such as the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). Editors reviewing periodontology and implantology manuscripts must ensure 'crestal bone' is not conflated with 'cortical bone' or 'cancellous bone', which describe bone architecture rather than location. The phrase 'crestal bone loss' is a standard clinical outcome measure and should not be paraphrased as 'bone resorption' without verification that the author intends the broader meaning.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate when used as a compound modifier before a noun: 'crestal-bone remodelling'.
In Context
- "Sequential radiographs demonstrated 2 mm of crestal bone loss around the mesial root of LR6 over 24 months." — Periodontal monitoring record
- "Implant placement was planned 3 mm apical to the anticipated crestal bone level." — Implant treatment planning note