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The Periodontium

the functional unit that keeps teeth in place

Let's dive in!

What is it? What does it do?

Tooth Exam

The Periodontium

is the

functional unit of tissue that supports the teeth.

Comprised of two parts

The Gingiva

also known as the gums, and its function is to protect the underlying tissue

The Attachment Apparatus

the tissues that attach the tooth to the alveolar process

The Gingiva

made up of masticatory mucosa, which is thick, keratinized epithelium and underlying mucosa consisting of dense collagen fibers

Attached Gingiva

This is the part of the gingiva that is attached to the underlying bone and cementum. 

Free Gingiva

Also known as marginal gingiva; this is the part of the gingiva that is unattached and forms a cuff-like space around the tooth. 

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Interdental Gingiva

Also known as interdental papilla; this is the tissue that occupies the interproximal area between two teeth. The tip and lateral borders are continuous with the free gingiva.

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Mucogingival Junction

A boundary located at the apical boundary of the attached gingiva. The mucogingival  junction is the connection between the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa.

Col

Made up of nonkeratinized tissue, making it more susceptible to disease and the beginning site of most periodontal infections. The col is a valley-like depression between the lingual/palatal and facial papillae that conforms to the shape of the proximal contact area. 

Oral Epithelium

Covers the free gingiva from the gingival groove over the gingival margin. It is composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium (hard tissue).

Gingival Sulcus

The space between the free gingiva and the tooth. The gingival sulcus has an average depth of 1.8 millimeters (in health).

Junctional Epithelium

Located at the base of the sulcus, the junctional epithelium encircles the tooth to form a tight seal and acts as the attachment interface between the tooth and the gingiva.

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The Attachment Apparatus

Consists of three parts: the periodontal ligament (PDL), the cementum, and the alveolar bone.

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Periodontal Ligament

A fibrous connective tissue that anchors the root of the tooth to the alveolar bone socket by surrounding and attaching the alveolar bone to the cementum. The terminal portion of the PDL fibers are called Sharpey's Fibers, and they are embedded into the alveolar bone on one side and the cementum on the other. 
There are two groups of fibers: the gingival group, which pertain to the cervical area, and the principal group, which pertain to the root area. 
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Gingival Fiber Groups

Dentogingival

extends from the cementum near the CEJ to the free gingiva

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Principal Fiber Groups

Oblique Fibers

extend from the root towards the occlusal surface

Cementum

the thin layer of calcified connective tissue that covers the outer surface of the root of the tooth from the cementoenamel junction to the apex

Functions include providing a medium for attachment of the periodontal fiber groups and sealing the tubules of the root dentin.

There are two types of cementum:

Primary Cementum - also known as acellular cementum. It is located on the cervical half of the root and it forms in conjunction with the root formation and eruption.

Secondary Cementum - also known as cellular cementum. It forms in the apical third after the tooth erupts. It contains cells for forming cementum.

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I am a dental hygiene student and I'm currently in my first semester of school. I've had a passion for dental hygiene for most of my life and I'm so excited to finally be on the road to pursuing my dream career! My greatest strength is my passion and love for community outreach. Apart from being able to provide for my family, my goal for my career in dental hygiene is to someday be able to arrange mission trips to my home country of the Dominican Republic to teach and provide services to those without access to dental care. Some aspects I love about this field of work is working with the public, the meticulous work required, and the incredible joy that comes with improving someone's health. 

© 2022 by Root for Rosa

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