Intermediate
Technical
IVT
alveolar ridge
Pronunciation: al-VEE-oh-lar
The bony ridge in the jaw that contains or previously contained tooth sockets.
Full Definition
The alveolar ridge is the thickened ridge of bone that contains the tooth sockets (alveoli) in the maxilla and mandible. After tooth extraction, this ridge undergoes remodeling and may require augmentation procedures before dental implant placement. Understanding alveolar anatomy is crucial for surgical planning.
In Context
- "The alveolar ridge showed significant resorption following multiple extractions." — radiographic report
- "Bone grafting was performed to augment the deficient alveolar ridge." — operative note
Also known as
alveolar process
alveolar bone
Don't confuse with
gingiva
periodontal ligament