<P> The alveolar process contains a region of compact bone adjacent to the periodontal ligament ( PDL ) , which is called the lamina dura when viewed on radiographs . It is this part which is attached to the cementum of the roots by the periodontal ligament . It is uniformly radiopaque ( or lighter ) . Integrity of the lamina dura is important when studying radiographs for pathological lesions . </P>
the radiographic term used to describe the dense bone of the socket and septal crest is
the lamina dura