Family Friendly & Specialty Dentists in London, UK
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Introduction to the Periodontium
- The periodontium refers to the structures that surround, support, and protect the teeth.
- It consists mainly of the gingival tissue and the supporting bone.
- The periodontium plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability and health of the teeth.
- It includes the enamel, dentine, alveolar bone, oral epithelium, attached gingiva, and periodontal ligament.
- The periodontium is essential for proper chewing, speaking, and maintaining the aesthetics of the smile.
The Gingivae
- The gingivae are the soft tissues and connective fibers that cover and protect the underlying structures of the teeth.
- They are categorised into three anatomical groups: free, attached, and interdental gingiva.
- The gingivae help protect against mechanical and bacterial destruction.
- Normal gingiva can vary in color from light coral pink to heavily pigmented.
- The gingivae play a crucial role in maintaining the health and integrity of the periodontium.
Free Gingiva
- The free gingiva refers to the tissues that sit above the alveolar bone crest.
- The gingival margin is the fibrous tissue that surrounds the tooth at the cemento-enamel junction.
- The gingival sulcus is a natural space between the tooth and the free gingiva.
- A healthy gingival sulcus is typically 0.5-3mm in depth.
- The gingival sulcus is lined by a non-keratinised layer called the oral sulcular epithelium.
Attached Gingiva
- The attached gingiva is tightly bound to the underlying periodontium, including the cementum and alveolar bone.
- The junctional epithelium is a collar-like band that separates the free and attached gingiva.
- The junctional epithelium acts as a protective barrier against microorganisms.
- Collagen fibers in the attached gingiva vary in length and width.
- The attached gingiva dissipates functional and masticatory stresses on the gingival tissues.
Interdental Gingiva
- The interdental gingiva fills the space between two adjacent teeth.
- It is normally triangular or pyramidal in shape.
- The interdental papillae, both lingual and facial, form the borders and tip of the interdental gingiva.
- The center of the interdental papilla is made up of attached gingiva.
- The col is a concave depression that lies beneath the interdental papillae.
