Alveolar Bone Disease

Alveolar Bone Disease

Describe the histology and functions of alveolar bone.
Answer:

Histology of alveolar bone:

• Bone has a dense outer sheet of compact bone and a central medullary cavity filled with red or yellow bone marrow that is interrupted by a network of bone trabeculae.
• Surrounding the outer surface of every compact bone is a connective tissue membrane, the periosteum which has two layers.

1. Outer layer:

• Consists of a dense, irregular connective tissue termed the fibrous layer.

2. Inner layer:

• Consist of bone cells, their precursors, and a rich blood supply.
• The internal surfaces of compact bone are covered by an essentially cellular membrane, the endosteum.

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Bone cells:

1. Osteoblasts:

• Mononucleated cells with abundant organelles and prominent cytoskeleton.
• It is derived from pluripotent stem cells of mesenchymal origin.
• They secrete the organic matrix of bone called osteoid.
• They regulate bone remodeling and mineral metabolism.

2. Osteocytes:

• As osteoid is formed, some of the osteoblasts become embedded in it and form osteocytes.
• After their formation, they reduce in size.
• They contact their adjacent osteocytes and osteoblast through canaliculi.
• They participate in the local degradation of bone.

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3. Osteoclasts:

• Multinucleated, large cell, derived from monocyte.
• They resorb bone.
• They occupy hollow-out depressions called Howship’s lacunae.

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Functions of alveolar bone:

• It supports the roots of teeth.
• It surrounds the root of the tooth and gives attachment to the principal fibers of PDL.
• It allows the movement of teeth for better occlusion.
• It helps to absorb and distribute occlusal forces.

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• It supports lips and cheeks and enhances esthetics.
• Supplies nutrition to PDL through blood vessels passing through them.
• Organizes eruption of teeth.
• Supports the primary teeth and protects developing permanent teeth.