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Maxillary Tuberosity

tuberositas maxillae

The maxillary tuberosity is the posterior rounded prominence of the maxilla behind the last upper molar, forming the posterior wall of the alveolar process. It contains cancellous bone with a thin cortex, lies immediately adjacent to the maxillary sinus, and is bounded posteriorly by the pterygoid plates. The posterior superior alveolar nerve and vessels enter the posterior surface of the tuberosity.

Region: Head & Skull

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The maxillary tuberosity is the most commonly reported fracture during upper third molar extraction, where excessive buccal luxation can fracture the tuberosity along with the tooth. A fractured tuberosity with an intact tooth creates a surgical challenge: the fragment must be removed or carefully repositioned. The tuberosity is a donor site for small bone grafts in implant site preparation. It is also the approach point for posterior superior alveolar nerve block injection.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Maxillary Tuberosity Fracture During Third Molar Extraction

Excessive buccal luxation during upper third molar extraction fractures the thin maxillary tuberosity, creating a tuberosity-tooth fragment that must be carefully sectioned from the tooth rather than forcibly extracted; the bone fragment is preserved and repositioned to maintain the posterior ridge for future implant placement.