What is assessed?
Gums, supporting tissues and, where indicated, bone on X-rays.
← All explanationsAlveolar bone
Which bone supports tooth roots?
Alveolar bone is the tooth-bearing part of the upper and lower jaws. It forms sockets around the roots. Teeth attach through fibres of the supporting tissues rather than being rigidly fused to bone.
For training & practice ↓
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Bone around the root
A bony wall surrounds the socket. A narrow region containing fibres, vessels and nerves lies between root and bone.
Living tissue
Bone is continually remodelled. Its shape can also change after tooth loss; an X-ray is only part of assessment.
Preserving support
Periodontitis can destroy supporting tissue, including bone. Assessment, treatment and follow-up matter; lost bone does not automatically regrow completely.
At a glance
When is the term useful?
In periodontal disease, tooth loss or planning replacement teeth.
What is the aim?
To protect existing support and plan suitable care.
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 below.
Read the film text in English
Bone around the root
A bony wall surrounds the socket. A narrow region containing fibres, vessels and nerves lies between root and bone.
Living tissue
Bone is continually remodelled. Its shape can also change after tooth loss; an X-ray is only part of assessment.
Preserving support
Periodontitis can destroy supporting tissue, including bone. Assessment, treatment and follow-up matter; lost bone does not automatically regrow completely.
Often confused
Bone or gum?
Gums cover the tooth-bearing jaw region. The underlying bone is a different tissue.
Quick answers
Is alveolar bone enamel?
No. Enamel belongs to the crown; alveolar bone belongs to the jaw around roots.
Can bone loss always be felt?
No. Symptoms alone cannot reliably show its condition. Gum assessment and justified X-rays complement one another.
Does any bone loss need grafting?
No. Cause, extent and treatment goal matter; not every defect can be reconstructed.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
An editorially suggested question for a discussion with Dr med dent Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Where is the bone affected, and what does that mean for this tooth?
A report mentions bone loss? Ask which region is affected and what matters for preserving support.
Discuss tooth supportAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Alveolus
- The bony tooth socket.
- Periodontal ligament
- Fibrous tissue between root and bone.
- Bone remodelling
- Breakdown and formation of bone tissue.
Make the distinction
Gums cover the tooth-bearing jaw region. The underlying bone is a different tissue.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.