Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions β written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Tooth socket
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Dental alveolus (plural, alveoli) are sockets in the jaws in which the roots of teeth are held in the alveolar process of maxilla with the periodontal ligament. The lay term for dental alveoli is tooth sockets. A joint that connect the roots of the teeth and the alveolus are called gomphosis (plural gomphoses).
In mammals, tooth sockets are found in the maxilla and the mandible.
Pathology
Pathology
The swelling of the dental alveoli can result in alveolitis, causing pain and discomfort to the mouth.