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Alveolar Part of the Mandible

pars alveolaris mandibulae

The alveolar part is the upper tooth-bearing portion of the mandibular body, containing the sockets of the lower teeth. It sits above the basal part of the mandible and, like the maxillary alveolar process, depends on the presence of teeth.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Landmarks

Articulations	Lower teeth (gomphoses in the dental alveoli)
Landmarks	Dental alveoli (sockets) Interalveolar septa Retromolar triangle (behind the last molar) Oblique line (lateral)
Ossification	Forms in membrane around the developing tooth germs of the mandible and is remodelled throughout tooth eruption and loss.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Loss of teeth leads to resorption of the alveolar part, so the mandible becomes shallow and the mental foramen may come to lie near the upper border, where denture pressure can irritate the mental nerve. Dental implants and bone grafts are used to restore height. Third molar removal from the alveolar part risks injury to the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Dentoalveolar Fracture

Trauma fractures a segment of the alveolar bone together with the lower teeth, treated by repositioning and splinting.

Alveolar Osteitis (Dry Socket)

Loss of the blood clot from a tooth socket after extraction, most often of a lower third molar, causing severe pain a few days later.

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