Alveolar Ridge
Pronunciation: al-VEE-oh-lar RIJ
The bony ridge of the maxilla or mandible that contains the tooth sockets and provides the primary site for implant placement.
Full Definition
The alveolar ridge is the portion of the jawbone that surrounds and supports the roots of the teeth. Following tooth loss, the alveolar ridge undergoes resorption, reducing its height and width (known as ridge atrophy or alveolar resorption), which can compromise implant site suitability. Editors should note that 'alveolar ridge' is always lowercase unless at the start of a sentence, and should not be conflated with the broader term 'alveolar bone' or the pathological term 'alveolar process.' The term frequently appears in treatment plans, surgical reports, and CBCT radiology reports.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase. Do not use 'alveolar ridge' interchangeably with 'alveolar bone'; the ridge refers to the anatomical topography, while alveolar bone refers to the tissue composition.
In Context
- "CBCT imaging revealed a severely resorbed alveolar ridge at the site of tooth 46, measuring 4 mm in width." — Radiographic assessment report
- "Ridge augmentation was required prior to implant placement owing to horizontal deficiency of the alveolar ridge." — Pre-surgical planning note