---
title: "What Is Maxilla? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "The maxilla is the upper jaw bone. It holds the top teeth, forms part of the roof of the mouth and sits next to the sinuses."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/maxilla
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Anatomy

# Maxilla

The maxilla is the upper jaw bone. It holds the top teeth, forms part of the roof of the mouth and sits next to the sinuses.

The maxilla is the upper part of your jaw. It holds your top teeth in place and does not move. It also supports the muscles involved in chewing and facial expressions. It helps form the hard [palate](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/palate), which is the roof of the mouth.

The [maxillary sinus](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/maxillary-sinus) is an air space inside it, just above the roots of the upper back teeth. Only a thin layer of bone separates them.

This closeness matters in dentistry. Sinus pressure can feel like an upper toothache. Removing an upper back tooth or placing an implant there may involve the sinus. A dentist uses x-rays to plan around it. See also the [mandible](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/mandible).

## Related terms

-   [Mandible](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/mandible)
-   [Palate](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/palate)
-   [Maxillary sinus](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/maxillary-sinus)
-   [Jawbone](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/jawbone)
-   [Sinus lift](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/sinus-lift)

## Sources

1.  [MedlinePlus: Jaw Injuries | Jaw Disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/jawinjuriesanddisorders.html)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)