Dentalwiki: Created page with "{{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 Gr..."

2026-03-20T01:55:55Z

Created page with "{{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 Gr..."

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{{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]]

Periodontium - Revision history