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Alveolar process of maxilla

The alveolar process of the maxilla is the bony ridge of the maxilla that houses the upper teeth, extending from the anterior nasal spine to the maxillary tuberosity posteriorly. It consists of compact cortical bone on its outer surfaces and trabecular (cancellous) bone internally, with alveolar sockets (dental alveoli) forming individualized cavities for each tooth. The alveolar process develops in association with tooth eruption and resorption, adapting its shape and volume throughout life. It also forms part of the hard palate medially and contributes to the architecture of the midface, supporting the upper lip, cheeks, and nasal floor.

Synonyms

  • Maxillary alveolar ridge

  • Alveolar bone of maxilla

  • Maxillary tooth-bearing process

Function

  • Houses and supports the maxillary teeth

  • Provides attachment for the periodontal ligament

  • Contributes to midfacial structure and aesthetics

  • Supports adjacent soft tissues including lips, cheeks, and nasal floor

  • Facilitates mastication and occlusion

MRI Appearance
T1-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone appears low signal (hypointense), while the trabecular bone is slightly higher signal due to marrow fat

  • Surrounding soft tissues and subcutaneous fat appear hyperintense, creating natural contrast

  • Dental alveoli may appear as small, well-demarcated hypointense cavities

  • Pathology, such as cysts or inflammatory lesions, appears hyperintense or alters normal bone signal

T2-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone remains hypointense

  • Marrow and soft tissues appear hyperintense, making edema, cystic changes, or infection more conspicuous

  • Useful for evaluating bone marrow pathology or early inflammatory changes

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

  • Suppresses fat signal to highlight edema, infection, or bone lesions

  • Normal alveolar process shows low cortical signal with intermediate trabecular signal

  • Pathological changes, including osteomyelitis, cysts, or tumors, appear bright hyperintense

CT Appearance

  • The alveolar process is clearly hyperdense cortical bone surrounding less dense trabecular bone

  • Dental sockets appear as small, well-defined hypodense cavities

  • Surrounding air in oral cavity or maxillary sinus appears hypodense, providing natural contrast

  • CT allows excellent visualization of bone volume, cortical integrity, alveolar height, and dental alignment

  • Useful for evaluating trauma, periodontal disease, dental implant planning, and congenital anomalies

MRI images

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MRI images

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