Intraoral Anatomy

 

• Lamina Dura

  • What is it
  • Normal
  • Bone

• ALVEOLAR CREST

  • What is it

    The gingival margin of the alveolar process that extends between the teeth is apparent on radiographs as a radiopaque line—the alveolar crest (Fig. 8-8).

  • Normal

    The level of this bony crest is considered normal when it is not more than 1.5 mm from the cementoenamel junction of the adjacent teeth. The alveolar crest may recede

    

    The length of the normal alveolar crest in a particular region depends on the distance between the teeth in question.

    • anterior region,

      the crest is reduced to only a point of bone, between the close-set incisors.

    • Posteriorly,

      it is flat, aligned parallel with and slightly below a line connecting the cementoenamel junctions of the adjacent teeth. The crest of the bone is continuous with the lamina dura and forms a sharp angle with it.

• PERIODONTAL LIGAMENT SPACE

  • What is it
  • Width

• CANCELLOUS BONE

  • What is it

    The cancellous bone (also called trabecular bone or spongiosa) lies between the cortical plates in both jaws. It is composed of thin radiopaque plates and rods (trabeculae) surrounding many small radiolucent pockets of marrow.