Periodontal Ligament: by Helen R. Hallare, DDM
Periodontal Ligament: by Helen R. Hallare, DDM
Periodontal Ligament: by Helen R. Hallare, DDM
by
PERIODONTAL LIGAMENT
Dense fibrous connective tissue attaching the tooth to the alveolar bone Functionto support the tooth in the alveolus & to maintain the physiologic relation between the cementum and bone
Characteristics
Its fibers are inserted into the alveolar bone and into the cementum Its quite cellular, well innervated, vascular and contains epithelial aggregates It occupies the narrow space between the calcified surfaces of the cementum and alveolus
Characteristics
Is detectable in radiographsa radioluscent line parallel to the root surface (lamina dura in radiographsradiodense line that represents the alveolar bone proper Varies in thickness0.1 - 0.25 mm depending on age, stage of eruption of the tooth and functional characteristics Thicker in adolescents than in older individuals
Characteristics
Teeth without antagonists would have thinner ligaments; with impacted teeth theyre even thinner Under normal function tends to be narrowest near the middle of the root and wider near the apex
Other Fibers
1. Indifferent Fiber Plexus group appears to course parallel to the root surface, forming a loose intersecting network May also be incorporated into the mineralized matrices
Other Fibers
2.
Oxytalan Fibers is found interspersed among the collagen fibers, and is morphologically similar to those in gingiva run in an occluso-apical direction associated with blood vessels and nerve fibers They are found more often on the cemental than on the bony side of the ligament
Other Fibers
3. Elastic Fibers this group of fibers are scarce They are confined to the loose connective tissue surrounding neurovascular channels
CELLS
The main function of periodontal ligament cells is to maintain the normal organization of the fiber system by synthesizing new fibers and remove old ones
Fibroblasts
They are shaped like spindles or flat disks and have long ovoid nuclei and numerous cytoplasmic processes of various lengths make up the major cellular population of the ligament (principal cells of the periodontal ligament) Their function is to synthesize collagen, which aggregates into fibrils and fibers extracellularly
Cementoblasts
Are observed during the phases of active deposition of cellular cementum are ovoid to cuboidal shape and the cytoplasm is basophilic
Osteoblasts
Found in the peripheral part of the periodontal ligament adjacent to bone Appear only in areas of the periodontal space where alveolar bone is deposited
They are multinucleated cells that are morphologically and functionally indistinguishable Osteoclasts work with osteoblasts to remodel existing alveolar bone Odontoclasts can resorb mineralized dental tissue, including cementum They are usually located within superficial bone concavities the HOWSHIPS LACUNAE
Epithelial Cells
They are commonly found in the ligament close to cementum They originate from Hertwigs epithelial root
sheath
Defence Cells
They are few in disease-free periodontal ligament
Have a perivascular location within 5 micrometers of blood vessels A source of new cells for the periodontal ligament
Macrophages
Important defense cells because of their phagocytic activity and mobility Take up bacteria, dead cells and foreign bodies
Leukocytes
Individual leukocytes, especially small lymphocytes and plasma cells may appear in periodontium when it is stressed by disease
Vascular Supply
Its main blood supply is from the SUPERIOR AND INFERIOR ALVEOLAR ARTERIES
Nerves
Contains both sensory and autonomic nerve endings The sensory nerve endings are able to identify pain and pressureextremely sensitive, able to detect minute particles between occluding tooth surfaces The autonomic innervation that originates from the superior cervical ganglion is primarily responsible for the control of smooth muscles associated with the periodontal vasculature
The most frequent neural termination that ramifies in a treelike configuration. They are located at regular intervals along the length of the root Such endings are thought to be both nociceptors and mechanoreceptors
2. Ruffini Corpuscle
Is found around the root apex, appear dendritic and end in terminal expansions among the periodontal ligament fiber bundles their known physiologic function as mechanoreceptors
3. Coiled Ending
Found in the midregion of the periodontal ligament whose function and ultrastructure have not yet been determined
4.
The lowest frequency, is found associated with the root apex and consists of spindle-like endings surrounded by a fibrous capsule
The End