Alveolus: Understanding the Tooth Socket - Definition & Function

The medical term for tooth socket is alveolus (plural: alveoli). In the context of dentistry, alveolus specifically refers to the bony socket in the jawbone that holds a tooth. Each tooth has its own alveolus, and the shape of the alveolus corresponds to the root shape of the tooth it holds.

Alveoli provide support and stability to the teeth, and they also play a role in the transmission of forces during chewing. The periodontal ligament, which is a specialized connective tissue, lines the alveolus and connects the tooth to the bone.