Human alveolar bone cells were isolated from alveolar bone fragments obtained from normal individual undergoing third molar extractions. Alveolar bone fragments were cultured as explant. Cells began to migrate in the first $5{sim}7$ day and were confluent in $5{sim}7$ week. Matrix mineralization was observed by 4 week. Our studies utilize established protocols for the characterization of these cells as osteoblasts by means of alkaline phosphatase activity determination, identification of osteocalcin antigens, establishing the presence of cells expressing type I collagen and determining the ability of cells to produce calcification. Transmission electron microscopic observations confirmed the presence of a collagen matrix undergoing a mineralization process. This new model, using human alveolar bone cells, may provide a tool to investigate alveolar bone development and physiology and to set up new therapeutic approaches.