Lamina Dura
Pronunciation: LAM-ih-nah DYOO-rah
The thin, dense layer of cortical bone lining the tooth socket (alveolus), which appears as a continuous white line on periapical radiographs in a healthy periodontium.
Full Definition
The lamina dura is the radiographic representation of the thin cortical bone plate that lines the tooth socket, formed by compact bone into which the periodontal ligament fibres insert. On a normal periapical radiograph, it appears as a continuous, uniform radiopaque line following the contour of the root. Loss, thinning, or interruption of the lamina dura is a significant radiographic finding associated with periapical pathology, hyperparathyroidism, Paget's disease, or aggressive periodontal disease. Editors should be aware that 'lamina dura' is a Latin term used without modification in English dental radiology texts; it should not be italicised in standard clinical documents unless house style requires Latin terms to be italicised.
Usage
Usage note: Do not italicise 'lamina dura' in standard dental radiology reports unless house style mandates italicisation of Latin terms. It is not hyphenated.
In Context
- "Loss of lamina dura around the apex of the upper right lateral incisor suggested early periapical pathology." — Periapical radiograph report
- "Generalised loss of lamina dura was noted throughout the dentition, raising the possibility of a systemic metabolic condition." — Radiographic case review