Editing Periodontium

{{Infobox anatomy
| Name         = Periodontium
| Image        = [File:Anatomy_of_the_periodontium.jpg]
| Caption      = The four main components of the periodontium supporting a tooth.
| System       = [[Digestive system]]
| Latin        = Periodontium
}}

==Definition==
The '''periodontium''' is the specialized biological system of tissues that both surround and support the [[teeth]], maintaining them in the [[maxilla]] and [[mandible]]. The word is derived from the Greek prefix ''peri-'' ("around") and ''-odont'' ("tooth"). 

Physiologically, the periodontium serves to attach the tooth to the bone tissue of the jaws and to act as a shock absorber during [[mastication]].

==Components==
The periodontium is composed of four main tissues. Two are mineralized (hard) and two are fibrous (soft):

===1. Gingiva (Gums)===
The '''[[gingiva]]''' is the epithelial and connective tissue that covers the [[alveolar process]] and surrounds the neck of the teeth. It provides a biological seal that protects the underlying structures from bacterial invasion.
* '''Free gingiva''': The unattached portion surrounding the tooth.
* '''Attached gingiva''': Firmly bound to the underlying alveolar bone.

===2. Periodontal Ligament (PDL)===
The '''[[periodontal ligament]]''' is a dense connective tissue organized into fiber bundles (primarily [[Type I collagen]]) that connect the [[cementum]] of the tooth to the alveolar bone. 
* It transforms the pressure of biting into tension on the bone.
* It contains sensory receptors for proprioception (detecting tooth position and pressure).

===3. Cementum===
'''[[Cementum]]''' is a thin, mineralized layer of tissue covering the tooth root. Its primary function is to provide a medium for the attachment of the PDL fibers to the tooth. It is softer than [[dentin]] and [[enamel]].

===4. Alveolar Bone===
The '''[[alveolar process]]''' is the part of the jawbone that contains the tooth sockets ([[dental alveoli]]). It undergoes constant [[remodeling]] in response to mechanical forces and tooth movement.

==Clinical Significance==
The health of the periodontium is the primary focus of the dental specialty known as '''[[Periodontology]]'''. 
* '''[[Gingivitis]]''': Inflammation confined to the gingiva.
* '''[[Periodontitis]]''': An inflammatory disease that leads to the destruction of the PDL and alveolar bone, potentially resulting in tooth loss.
* '''[[Periodontal pocket]]''': Pathological deepening of the gingival sulcus.

==Biological Width==
In [[restorative dentistry]], the '''[[biological width]]''' (or supracrestal attached tissues) refers to the combined height of the connective tissue attachment and the junctional epithelium. Maintaining this width is crucial for the health of the periodontium when placing [[crowns]] or [[fillings]].

==See Also==
* [[Dental anatomy]]
* [[Periodontal disease]]
* [[Scaling and root planing]]

[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Periodontology]]
[[Category:Oral Biology]]