Pronunciation: [tˈuːθ sˈɒkɪt] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "tooth socket" is /tuːθ ˈsɒkɪt/. The first syllable "tooth" is pronounced with a long "oo" sound and the "th" is voiced as in "this". The second syllable "sock" is pronounced with a short "o" sound and a hard "k" sound. The final syllable "et" is pronounced with a short vowel sound as in "pet". The word refers to a depression in the jawbone where a tooth is anchored.
A tooth socket is an anatomical structure within the jawbone that encompasses and holds the root of a tooth in place. It is a hollow, bony cavity specifically designed to accommodate the roots of teeth. Each tooth in the oral cavity is anchored firmly in its respective socket, which helps maintain tooth stability and support during mastication (chewing) and other functional movements.
Tooth sockets are formed by the alveolar process, a part of the maxilla (upper jaw) or mandible (lower jaw). They are uniquely shaped for each tooth, accommodating the specific size and shape of its root. The socket typically consists of a hard, compact bone lining that holds the tooth firmly and provides structural integrity.
When a tooth is extracted or lost, the tooth socket becomes empty, often causing bone resorption in the area. Over time, this can lead to a decrease in bone density and reshaping of the alveolar process. In dentistry, dental implants are commonly used to restore missing teeth by surgically placing an artificial root into the tooth socket. The implant fuses with the surrounding bone, providing stability and support for a replacement tooth (a dental crown). The preservation and regeneration of tooth sockets are crucial for successful dental implant procedures.
Alveolus, the cavity in which the root of a tooth is fixed.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "tooth socket" is a compound noun, comprised of the words "tooth" and "socket". Here is the etymology of each word:
1. Tooth:
The word "tooth" has Old English origins and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "tanþs". This word has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Old Norse "tǫnn" and Old High German "zand". Ultimately, the word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*dent-", which means "tooth".
2. Socket:
The word "socket" has Middle English roots and comes from the Old English word "socet", which means "a hollow, a round hollow in which an object fits".
