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Normal Periodontium And Dental Anatomy

Publication Date: 3/17/2005

This webpage is part of a series about detection and prevention of periodontal disease in diabetes

 
Normal periodontium includes gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. It is supplied by the vasculature and affected by bacterial plaque that accumulates at the junction between the teeth and the gingiva.

 

Photograph of Normal periodontium

 

This cross-sectional slide illustrates major tooth components:
  • Enamel, the hardest substance in the body, forms the outer covering of the tooth.

     

  • Dentin is the hard tissue that comprises the bulk of the inner tooth.

     

  • Pulp, the soft tissue of the tooth, contains the blood vascular system and nerve tissue.

     

  • Cementum is a hard tissue that covers the tooth root.

     

  • Periodontal ligament is composed primarily of collagen fibers, which attach the tooth root to the supporting alveolar bone and gingival tissues.

     

 

Illustration of cross-section of tooth showing location of enamel, dentin, pulp, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone

 

 
From the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Detection and Prevention of Periodontal Disease in Diabetes
June 1994
http://www.nohic.nidcr.nih.gov/pubs/perdiab/normal/index.html 
 

Also see

other webpages about teeth and periodontal disorders


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