Alveolar bone in health and disease

Alveolar bone is a specialized part of the mandibular and maxillary bones that forms the primary support structure for the teeth. It is subjected to continual and rapid remodelling associated with tooth eruption, and subsequently the functional demands of mastication. The ability of alveolar bone to undergo rapid remodelling is also important for positional adaptation of the teeth but may be detrimental to the progression of periodontal disease.