← All explanationsAlveolar process fracture

Several teeth move together after an accident – what could that mean?

An alveolar process fracture affects a segment of tooth-bearing bone. Several teeth may move with that segment. Assessment is urgent and should take place on the day of injury.

For training & practice ↓

Simplified section through four upper incisors; a fracture line surrounds bone supporting the central pair. — Fracture of tooth-bearing bone · simplified teaching model.

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A bone segment

The fracture involves bone around the sockets, rather than only one tooth root.

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Bite and neighbouring teeth

Examination and appropriate imaging assess displacement and associated injuries.

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Stabilisation and review

Clinicians may reposition and stabilise the segment. Injured teeth need follow-up.

Read the full explanation

A bone segment
The fracture involves bone around the sockets, rather than only one tooth root.
Bite and neighbouring teeth
Examination and appropriate imaging assess displacement and associated injuries.
Stabilisation and review
Clinicians may reposition and stabilise the segment. Injured teeth need follow-up.

Notes on the teaching images

Fracture of tooth-bearing bone · simplified teaching model.
The illustrated segment contains several sockets; associated injuries require individual assessment.
Symbolic illustration of urgent professional care and follow-up.

For your visit: open the communication cards

Watch the short explanation ↓

At a glance

Urgency?

Assessment on the day of injury.

Self-treatment?

Do not reposition the segment yourself.

Follow-up?

Stabilisation and reviews as indicated.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.

Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.

Go to film text

Often confused

Bone or root fracture?

A root fracture affects the tooth; an alveolar fracture affects tooth-bearing bone. Both can coexist.

Quick answers

Should I push the teeth back?

Do not manipulate the segment. Seek immediate dental or maxillofacial assessment.

Will all these teeth be removed?

Not necessarily. Each tooth and the surrounding bone require assessment.

When should I call 112?

Breathing difficulty, unconsciousness or serious head/facial injury takes priority as a medical emergency.

At the practice

For a personal discussion

Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:

Which injured teeth need follow-up?

Contact an available dental practice or hospital immediately after an injury with an altered bite; use emergency dental services outside opening hours.

Call the practice · 0221 669 401 80Telephone contact

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Learning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge

Alveolus: Bony tooth socket.
Fragment: A separated piece of bone.
Repositioning: Professional realignment of displaced structures.

Make the distinction

A root fracture affects the tooth; an alveolar fracture affects tooth-bearing bone. Both can coexist.

Knowledge questionWhat may move together?

For learning, not for assessing personal symptoms. Your answer is not stored or sent.

Teeth and a bone segment.
Only tooth colour.
Always the entire lower jaw.

View answer

Teeth and a bone segment.

The fracture involves a tooth-bearing segment.

Sources and context

Editorial research: 2026-11-06. General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.