M3 supporting structures (lamina propria)

p3

papillary layer

reticular layer

the connective tissue of the gingiva that is densely collagenous with the following layers:

papillary layer

subjacent to the epithelium consisting of papillary projections between the epithelial rete pegs

reticular layer

connecting with the periosteum of the alveolar bone

Supraperiosteal arterioles along the facial and lingual alveolar bone surfaces

Vessels of the periodontal ligament

Arterioles emerging from the crest of the interdental septa

blood supply of the lamina propria

Fibers arising from the periodontal ligament

Labial, buccal and lingual nerve

Unspecialized nerve endings, 

Meissner-type and Krause-type 

specialized nerve endings

nerve supply of the lamina propria

color

pigmentation

contour

consistency

surface texture

location

gingival morphology

coral pink

color of the gingiva

pigmentation

due to melanocytes occurs as a diffuse deep purple discoloration or irregular brown pigmented areas

contour

• depends on the following:

• shape of the teeth

• alignment of teeth within the arch

• location and size of the proximal contact between adjacent teeth

• dimensions of the facial and lingual gingival embrasures

“scalloped line”

gingiva appears as a _________ on the facial and lingual (marginal gingiva)

consistency

firm and resilient (attached to underlying periosteum)

surface texture

• “stippled” appearance on the attached gingiva (less prominent on the lingual and there may be none in some mouth)

• lost stippling is an early sign of gingivitis

location

at the level of the cementoenamel junction (CEJ)