Mucogingival junction

Mucogingival Junction is a term used in dentistry to describe the boundary between the mucosa of the alveolar process and the gingiva. This junction is clinically significant as it demarcates the transition from the keratinized gingiva to the non-keratinized alveolar mucosa.

Anatomy

The mucogingival junction is a line of demarcation visible in the mouth where the pink, keratinized masticatory mucosa of the free gingiva and attached gingiva meets the redder, non-keratinized alveolar mucosa. This junction is not present in the palate where the masticatory mucosa extends to the soft palate, nor is it present in the incisive papilla area.

Clinical Significance

The mucogingival junction is an important landmark in periodontal examinations and surgeries. It helps in determining the width of the attached gingiva, which is crucial in maintaining periodontal health. A narrow or absent attached gingiva may lead to various periodontal diseases.

In periodontal surgery, the mucogingival junction acts as a guide to the placement of incisions and sutures. It is also a determining factor in the selection of techniques for gingival graft procedures.

See Also

• Periodontium
• Gingiva
• Alveolar process
• Periodontal diseases
• Gingival graft