Periodontics
Tissues of the periodontium (Chapter 2)
Periodontium
* The tissues that surround, support, and attach to the teeth
Components of the periodontium 1. Gingiva 2. Periodontal ligament 3. Cementum 4. Alveolar bone
Function of the periodontium * To support the teeth and oral structures
The gingiva * The visible component of the periodontium inside the mouth * Described as: pink, pink-red, blue, purple, or pigmented * It can appear much darker when melanin pigmentation is present * Factors that mask the color change of gingiva: * Food * Medications
The three types of gingiva 1. Free gingiva 2. Attached gingiva 3. Alveolar mucosa
Mucogingiv al junction * Appears as a line that marks the connection between the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa
Alveolar mucosa * The moveable tissue loosely attached to the underlying boe * It is attached but moveable * The surface is smooth and shiny
Attached gingiva * Extends coronally from the mucogingival junction * It is continuous with the oral epithelium and is covered with keratinized stratified squamous epithelium * It is firmly attached to the alveolar bone unlike the free or marginal gingiva * It DOES have attachment fibers, which is why on the lingual aspect of maxillary teeth the attached gingiva will blend with the attached palatal mucosa
Rete pegs * Ridges of epithelium that form the connection between the free or attached gingiva and the underlying connective tissue * If gingiva is healthy, it appears stippled, which is due to the rete pegs * If gingiva is not healthy, it will appear flat and shiny, due to a lack of rete pegs
Function of rete pegs 1. Add strength to the gingiva 2. Nourish the gingiva
Free gingiva or free marginal gingiva * Surrounds the tooth and crests a cuff or collar of gingiva extending coronally about 1.5 mm * Usually a groove called the free gingival groove
Periodontium
* The tissues that surround, support, and attach to the teeth
Components of the periodontium 1. Gingiva 2. Periodontal ligament 3. Cementum 4. Alveolar bone
Function of the periodontium * To support the teeth and oral structures
The gingiva * The visible component of the periodontium inside the mouth * Described as: pink, pink-red, blue, purple, or pigmented * It can appear much darker when melanin pigmentation is present * Factors that mask the color change of gingiva: * Food * Medications
The three types of gingiva 1. Free gingiva 2. Attached gingiva 3. Alveolar mucosa
Mucogingiv al junction * Appears as a line that marks the connection between the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa
Alveolar mucosa * The moveable tissue loosely attached to the underlying boe * It is attached but moveable * The surface is smooth and shiny
Attached gingiva * Extends coronally from the mucogingival junction * It is continuous with the oral epithelium and is covered with keratinized stratified squamous epithelium * It is firmly attached to the alveolar bone unlike the free or marginal gingiva * It DOES have attachment fibers, which is why on the lingual aspect of maxillary teeth the attached gingiva will blend with the attached palatal mucosa
Rete pegs * Ridges of epithelium that form the connection between the free or attached gingiva and the underlying connective tissue * If gingiva is healthy, it appears stippled, which is due to the rete pegs * If gingiva is not healthy, it will appear flat and shiny, due to a lack of rete pegs
Function of rete pegs 1. Add strength to the gingiva 2. Nourish the gingiva
Free gingiva or free marginal gingiva * Surrounds the tooth and crests a cuff or collar of gingiva extending coronally about 1.5 mm * Usually a groove called the free gingival groove