Periodontium

• (Anatomy of periodontium
 Definition
• The periodontium ( peri= around , odontos=
tooth) is the functional system of tissues that
surrounds the teeth and attaches them to the
jaw bone .
• These tissues include:
1. Gingiva.
2. Periodontal ligaments (PDL).
3. Cementum.
4. Alveolar bone.
GINGIVA
 GINGIVA
• Definition: that part of tissue that covers the
cervical portions of the teeth and the alveolar
processes of the jaws.

• It is composed of thin outer layer of epithelium

and underlying core of connective tissue.
• The keratinized epithelium immediately
surrounds a tooth
• Functions:
1. The gingiva provides a tissue seal around
the cervical portions of the tooth and alveolar
processes of the jaws.
2. resist the mechanical stimuli of hard food
particles impinging on it during mastication,
• Anatomic Areas: the gingiva is divided into four
anatomic areas:
1. Free gingiva.
2. Gingival sulcus.
3. Interdental gingiva (dental papilla).
4. Attached gingiva.

Each area of gingiva differ in thickness and

histology according to its function
• Bounders of the gingiva:
1. The coronal boundary or the upper edge of the gingiva is the
gingival margin.

2. The apical boundary or the lower edge of the gingiva is the

alveolar mucosa which can be distinguished easily from the
gingiva by its dark red color and smooth , shiny surface.
• Demarcation of the gingiva:
1. Free gingiva groove: is a shallow linear
depression that separates the free gingiva and
attached gingiva .( this line can be visible
clinically).
2. Mucogingival junction: its clinically visible
boundary where the attached gingiva meets
the alveolar mucosa.
 FREE GINGIVAL

• also called unattached gingiva or marginal

gingiva.

• Definition: it is the unattached portion of the

gingiva that surrounds the tooth in the region
of CMJ ( cementoenamel junction)
• Characteristics:

1. Not directly attached to the tooth.

2. Can be stretched away from the tooth surface with a

periodontal probe .

3. The free gingiva also forms the soft tissue wall of

the gingival sulcus.
• Contour of the gingival margin:
1. It meets the tooth in a thin round edge called
the gingival margin.

2. The gingival margin follows the contours of

the teeth creating a scalloped ( wavy) outline
around them.
 Gingival sulcus:

• It is a shallow fissure between marginal

gingival and the enamel or cementum.
• Clinical normal gingival sulcus depth = 2-3
mm measured with periodontal probe.
 ATTACHED GINGIVA
• Definition: is that part of the gingiva that is
tightly connect to the cementum on the
cervical third of the root and the periostum
(connective tissue cover the alveolar bone.)

• Distance between mucogingival junction and

bottom of sulcus.
• Function:
1. It allows the gingival tissue to withstand the
mechanical forces created during activities
such as mastication,speeaking and tooth
brushing.
2. It prevents the free gingiva from being pulled
away from the tooth when tension is applied
to the alveolar mucosa.
• Clinical features of 7. Position.
gingiva:
1. color.
2. Size.
3. Contour.
4. Shape.
5. Consistency.
6. Surface texture.
• color: in healthy gingiva pale or coral pink.
Can be pigmented which occurs more in dark
skinned people . Range from light brown to
black.
• Size: it’s the sum total of the bulk of cellular
elements and their vascular supply . Its
common appearance of gingival disease.
• Contour: depends on shape of teeth and
alignment in the arch.
• Shape: shape of the interdental papilla is
related with the contour of the proximal tooth.
the height of the papilla varies with the
location of the proximal contact.
• Consistency: gingiva is firm and resilient.
• Texture: in healthy Gingiva its similar to an orange
peel known as stippling ; it presents in 40% of
adults.
Stippling is caused by the presence of the connective
fibers that attach the gingival tissue to the cementum
and bone.
 Interdental gingiva (dental
papilla)
• Definition: is the portion of the gingiva that
fills the interdental embrasure between two
adjacent teeth apical to the contact.
 Parts:
1. Facial papilla.
2. Lingual papilla
( papilla= singular noun , papillae = plural noun)
 the lateral borders and the tip of an interdental
papilla are formed by the free gingiva from the
adjacent teeth..
 the center portion is formed by the attached gingiva.
3- the Col is vallylike depression in the portion
of interdental gingiva that lies directly apical
to the contact area.
 Function:
• Prevention food from becoming packed
between the teeth during mastication.