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