Overview of Gingiva and Periodontal Disease

These flashcards cover key concepts related to gingiva, periodontal ligaments, and diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis.

What is the primary role of the gingiva?

To provide a tissue seal around the tooth and protect underlying structures.

What type of epithelium is the gingival epithelium?

Stratified squamous epithelium.

What is the gingival margin?

The coronal boundary of the gingiva near the crown of the tooth.

What is biologic width?

The distance from the alveolar crest to the junctional epithelium.

How much vertical space is needed for a successful restoration?

At least 2 mm.

What is the free gingiva?

The unattached portion of the gingiva near the gingival margin.

What does the free gingival groove indicate?

It separates the free and attached gingiva.

What is attached gingiva?

The portion of gingiva bound to the cementum and the periosteum of the alveolar bone.

What are interdental gingiva?

Gingiva that fills the area between two teeth.

Define the gingival sulcus.

The space between the lining of the free gingiva and the tooth surface.

What type of epithelium is the sulcular epithelium?

Non-keratinized epithelium.

What is the main function of the periodontal ligament (PDL)?

To connect the tooth to the alveolar bone and absorb impact forces.

What are Sharpey's fibers?

The ends of the PDL fibers embedded in the cementum and alveolar bone.

What is hypercementosis?

A condition where there is an excessive deposition of cementum.

What distinguishes gingivitis from periodontitis?

Gingivitis does not involve loss of attachment, while periodontitis does.