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Definition and Function of Interdental Papilla
- Part of the gums that exists coronal to the free gingival margin on mesial and distal surfaces of teeth
- Fills in the area between teeth to prevent food impaction
- Assumes conical shape for anterior teeth and blunted shape buccolingually for posterior teeth
- Missing papilla visible as small triangular gap between adjacent teeth
- Can sometimes be corrected with orthodontic treatment
Factors Affecting Presence of Interdental Papilla
- Relationship of interdental bone to interproximal contact point determines presence of papilla
- If >8mm between interdental bone and interproximal contact, usually no papilla present
- If distance is 5mm or less, then a papilla will almost always be present
Enlargement of Interdental Papilla
- Enlargement can occur with active periodontal disease
- Both marginal gingiva and attached gingiva can become enlarged
- Enlargement results from edema in lamina propria caused by inflammatory response
Interdental Papilla and Dental Papilla
- Interdental papilla should not be confused with dental papilla
- Dental papilla is a different anatomical structure
Additional Information
- Interdental papilla is also known as interdental gingiva
- Anatomical terminology: papilla gingivalis
- TA98 identifier: A05.1.01.110
- TA2 identifier: 2792
- FMA identifier: 77186