[GROUP 1: Components of the Periodontium]
- Gingiva
- Periodontal ligament (PDL)
- Cementum
- Alveolar bone proper
- Distinct in location, architecture, and biochemical properties
[GROUP 2: Function of the Periodontium]
- Supports teeth during function
- Maintains teeth in the maxillary and mandibular bones
- Provides necessary support for teeth
- Allows teeth to respond to forces
- Functions as a single unit
[GROUP 3: External Forces and the Periodontium]
- Constant state of balance between periodontal structures and external forces
- Alveolar bone undergoes remodeling in response to occlusal forces
- Osteoblasts and osteoclasts line areas of tension and compression
- Trabeculae align in the path of stresses to resist occlusal forces
- Increased forces lead to increased trabeculae and bone thickness
[GROUP 4: Stimulation and Adaptation of the Periodontium]
- Periodontal ligament depends on stimulation from function
- PDL can accommodate increased function by increasing its width
- Excessive forces cause injury known as trauma from occlusion
- Reduced occlusal forces result in PDL atrophy
- Disuse atrophy can occur in the periodontium
[GROUP 5: References]
- Kumar GS, ed. (2011). Orbans Oral Histology and Embryology
- Newman MG, Takei H, Klokkevold PR, Carranza FA, eds. (2012). Carranzas Clinical Periodontology
- Mitsiadis TA, Pagella P, Cantù C (2017). Early Determination of the Periodontal Domain by the Wnt-Antagonist Frzb/Sfrp3.
- Tanne K, Sakuda M, Burstone CJ (December 1987). Three-dimensional finite element analysis for stress in the periodontal tissue by orthodontic forces.
- Capnocytophaga sp., Preston D. Miller, Willoughby D. Miller, Carl E. Misch, John Mankey Riggs, Jay Seibert, Jørgen Slots, Paul Roscoe Stillman, Dennis P. Tarnow
The periodontium is the specialised tissues that both surround and support the teeth, maintaining them in the maxillary and mandibular bones. The word comes from the Greek terms περί peri-, meaning "around" and -odont, meaning "tooth". Literally taken, it means that which is "around the tooth". Periodontics is the dental specialty that relates specifically to the care and maintenance of these tissues. It provides the support necessary to maintain teeth in function. It consists of four principal components, namely:
| Periodontium | |
|---|---|
 The tissues of the periodontium combine to form an active, dynamic group of tissues. The alveolar bone (C) is surrounded for the most part by the subepithelial connective tissue of the gingiva, which in turn is covered by the various characteristic gingival epithelia. The cementum overlaying the tooth root is attached to the adjacent cortical surface of the alveolar bone by the alveolar crest (I), horizontal (J) and oblique (K) fibers of the periodontal ligament. | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | periodontium |
| MeSH | D010519 |
| TA98 | A05.1.03.058 A03.1.03.002 |
| TA2 | 2819 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Each of these components is distinct in location, architecture, and biochemical properties, which adapt during the life of the structure. For example, as teeth respond to forces or migrate medially, bone resorbs on the pressure side and is added on the tension side. Cementum similarly adapts to wear on the occlusal surfaces of the teeth by apical deposition. The periodontal ligament in itself is an area of high turnover that allows the tooth not only to be suspended in the alveolar bone but also to respond to the forces. Thus, although seemingly static and having functions of their own, all of these components function as a single unit. The Wnt signaling antagonist Sfrp3/Frzb has been recently discovered as an early developmental marker of the periodontium.
peri- + odonto- + -ium
periodontium (uncountable)
