Tissues Surrounding the Teeth Lesson No.6

Periodontium

Tissues that surround and support the teeth

Alveolar Process

The supporting suckets of the teeth

Cortical Plate

The alveolar process is made up of compact bone. The cortical plate provides strength for supporting bone and acts as an attachment for skeletal muscle

Lingual Plate

Inner plate

Facial or buccal plate

outer plate

Periosteum

Covers the cortical plate also called fibrous sheath

Lamina Dura

Also called the alveolar process proper, the cortical plate is attached directly to this

Periodontum Ligament (PDL)

A collection of fibers with the primary purpose of suspending the teeth within the alveolar process and supporting gingiva

Sharpey’s Fiber

Bundles collection of “principal fibers”

1. One end of these fibers is anchored into the cementum

2. Other end of the fibers are embedded within the bone

3. Able to withstand the stresses of a fully erupted functional tooth

4. Slight movement is permitted although these fibers are not elastic

Principal Fibers

Serve to support the gingival tissue and suspend teeth within the alveolar process

Different types of function cells found within PDL

1. Cementoblasts- for cementum

2. Osteoblasts- build bone

3. Fibroblasts- form fibrous tissue

Gingiva

Also known as “gums”

Free Gingiva

Moveable tissues that surrounds the crown of the tooth just above the CEJ of the tooth

Gingiva Crest

The peak of the free gingiva

Gingiva Sulcus

The space that exists between the tooth and the free gingiva

Free Gingiva Groove

Located below the sulcus, this line separates the free gingiva and the attached gingiva

Interdental Papillae

Triangular shaped crests of gingival tissue located between the teeth. These crests of tissue consist of free and attached gingiva

Attached Gingiva

The portion of the mucous membrane bound to the tooth and to the alveolar arches of the jaw