Tissues of the Periodontium

Periodontal (peri = around and odontos = tooth) is a functional system of tissue that surrounds the teeth and makes them jaw bone (Fig. 1-1 and 1-2). On the periodontal is also called "supporting tissues of the teeth" and "attachment apparatus". In periodontal tissues are:

1. Gum-cloth covering the cervical part of the tooth and alveolar process of the jaws.
2. Periodontal ligament (PDL)-fibers, surrounding the root of the tooth. These fibers attach to the bone socket on one side, and cement root on the other side.
3. Cement-thin layer of mineralized tissue that covers the root of the tooth.
4. Alveolar bone is the bone that surrounds the roots of the teeth. It forms bony sockets that support and protect the roots of the teeth.

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