Introduction to classification systems used in periodontics Our basic understanding regarding periodontal diseases and the concepts in the etiopathogenesis of periodontal diseases have evolved and substantially changed during the past centuries. The initial classification systems were based on the clinical features of the diseases (1870-1920), then came the concepts of classical pathology (1920-1970), and presently…
Read MoreIntroduction to indices The index is defined as a numerical value describing the relative status of the population on a graduated scale with definite upper and lower limits which is designed to permit and facilitate comparison with other populations classified by the same criteria and methods 30. With the help of indices, various populations can…
Read MoreIntroduction to the epidemiology of periodontal diseases Gingivitis and periodontitis are the inflammatory diseases of periodontal tissues. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gingival tissue and periodontitis is characterized by clinical attachment loss. For centuries, man has tried to understand the cause of these diseases, their prevention, and treatment. Epidemiology is the study of a…
Read MoreIntroduction to alveolar bone Alveolar bone is the specialized part of maxillary and mandibular bone that supports the teeth. It forms with the eruption of teeth and gradually disappears after the tooth is lost. The alveolar bone consists of an outer cortical plate which is composed of Haversian bone and compacted bone lamellae, a central…
Read MoreIntroduction to dental cementum Cementum is an avascular mineralized mesenchymal tissue covering the entire root surface. Although, it is an integral part of the tooth, but functionally it is a component of the periodontium. It was first described in 1835 329 and since then it has been studied extensively. It functions as the site of…
Read MoreIntroduction to periodontal ligament The periodontal ligament (PDL) is derived from the dental sac tissue, which invests the tooth germ. It is a complex, vascular, and highly cellular soft connective tissue interposed between roots of the teeth and the inner wall of the alveolar socket. It has the shape of an “hour glass” and is…
Read MoreIntroduction to clinical features of normal gingiva The knowledge regarding the normal features of the gingiva is essential to understand the pathological changes that occur in the periodontium in various periodontal diseases. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease with microbial etiology being its primary etiology. There are various inflammatory changes that can be seen in periodontitis.…
Read MoreIntroduction to vascular supply and innervation of the gingiva The orofacial structures have a very rich vascular supply. The periodontium is a highly vascular and innervated structure in the orofacial region. There is a network of blood vessels that supply and drain teeth and their supporting tissues. A very important artery that supplies the maxillary…
Read MoreIntroduction to gingival connective tissue The connective tissue of the gingiva is termed as lamina propria. It is densely collagenous with a few elastic fibers. It consists of two layers: papillary and reticular layer. The papillary layer lies adjacent to the epithelium and the reticular layer is contiguous with the periosteum of the alveolar bone.…
Read MoreIntroduction to junctional epithelium The term junctional epithelium denotes the tissue that is affixed to the tooth on one side and to the oral sulcular epithelium and connective tissue on the other side 17, 100. The junctional epithelium is the epithelial component of the “dentogingival unit” that is in contact with the tooth surface. It…
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