32 Theories and techniques of oral implantology

Lacrimal bone

Alveolar process

Palatine process

Fig. 2-11. The maxilla as seen from various angles.

Maxillae

The upper jaw is formed by paired maxillae joined in the midline and strongly fused to the skull along their outer borders. Each maxilla consists of a pyramidal hollow body and four processes: zygomatic, frontal, alveolar, and palatine. Together they form the greater part of the skeleton of the upper face.

The zygomatic process, which projects laterally between the anterior and posterior surfaces, supports the zygomatic bone. The frontal process projects up from the upper anterior portion of the body, forming the inner margin of the orbit and part of the lateral wall of the nose. The alveolar process containing the sockets for the teeth of the upper jaw projects down from the inferior part of the body.

Fig. 2-12. In this cross section of the skull, the maxillary sinus, the nasal vestibulum, and the alveolar bone show very clearly. Because teeth are present, there is a good deal of alveolar bone below the floor of the sinus. Penetrating the bone and entering the sinus and antral floors are to be strictly avoided.