Gingival fibers

Gingival fibers or periodontal ligament fibers are a group of fibers that help in attaching the tooth to the surrounding alveolar process of the tooth socket. These fibers are part of the periodontium, the specialized tissues that both surround and support the teeth, maintaining them in the maxillary arch and mandibular arch.

Structure

Gingival fibers are primarily composed of collagen, a protein that provides strength and resilience. They are arranged in a complex network and can be categorized into five groups based on their orientation and location. These include:

• Dentogingival fibers: These fibers extend from the cementum in the neck region of the tooth into the free gingiva, providing support to the gingival tissue.
• Alveologingival fibers: These fibers extend from the alveolar crest into the free and attached gingiva, helping to resist the pulling effect of the elastic fibers located in the lamina propria.
• Circular fibers: These fibers encircle the tooth in a ring-like manner, helping to bind the free gingiva to the tooth.
• Periostogingival fibers: These fibers extend laterally from the periosteum of the alveolar bone to the gingival tissue, providing an attachment of the gingiva to the bone.
• Intergingival fibers: These fibers extend in a mesiodistal direction along the entire dental arch, linking adjacent teeth together.

Function

The primary function of gingival fibers is to secure the gingiva to the teeth and the alveolar bone, providing resistance to masticatory forces. They also play a crucial role in maintaining the gingival contour and providing the gingival rigidity necessary for mastication, speech, and aesthetics.

In addition to their mechanical roles, gingival fibers also play a role in the immune response to oral pathogens. They can act as a barrier to the spread of bacterial infection from the oral cavity to the periodontal tissues.

Clinical significance

Gingival fibers can be affected by various periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis. These diseases can lead to the destruction of gingival fibers, resulting in tooth mobility and, in severe cases, tooth loss. Therefore, maintaining the health of these fibers is crucial for overall oral health.