2. Objectives
At the end of this chapter the student should be able
to understand the development process and histology
of periodontal ligament.
Sub topics
Topic 1. Introduction
Topic 2. Development of Periodontal Ligament
Topic 2. Histology of Periodontal Ligament
Dr.SyedSadatullah
KingKhalidUniversity.Abha
3. 1. Introduction
Periodontal ligament (PDL) is connective tissue that
connects the cementum of the root to the alveolar bone
proper, hence the name ligament
The thickness of the PDL varies from tooth to tooth and
its position in relation to the root.
The thinnest portion of the PDL is near the middle of the
root.
The width of PDL shows a progressive decrease with age.
Dr.SyedSadatullah
KingKhalidUniversity.Abha
4. The PDL has a heterogeneous population of mesenchymal
cells that when induced differentiate into fibroblasts,
cementoblasts and osteoblasts
The fibroblasts also have the capacity to form PDL,
Cementum and Alveolar bone any time in health.
The factors secreted by PDL fibroblasts inhibit
mineralization and prevent ankylosis of the tooth.
Dr.SyedSadatullah
KingKhalidUniversity.Abha
5. The PDL is always in a state of remodelling.
Functions of PDL
1.Formative
2.Supportive
3.Protective
4.Sensory
5.Nutritive
Dr.SyedSadatullah
KingKhalidUniversity.Abha
6. 2. Development of PDL
During the initial stages of root formation the follicular
cells show increased proliferation
The innermost cells of the follicle near the forming root
differentiate into cementoblasts and the outer most cells
differentiate into osteoblasts
The centrally located cells differentiate into fibroblasts
Dr.SyedSadatullah
KingKhalidUniversity.Abha
7. Fibroblasts produce the periodontal ligament fibers.
They get embedded in the developing cementum and
alveolar bone.
At first, all the developing fibers of the periodontal
ligament run obliquely in a coronal direction from tooth to
bone. This changes as the tooth erupts.
The part of PDL fibers present in the cementum and
alveolar bone are called Sharpey’s fibers.
Dr.SyedSadatullah
KingKhalidUniversity.Abha
11. 2 Histology of PDL
PDL like any other connective tissue is composed of cells
and extracellular components
Cells
1.Fibroblasts
2.Cementoblasts
3.Osteoblasts
4.Osteoclasts
5.Undifferentiated mesenchymal cells
6.Epithelial cell rests of Malassez
Dr.SyedSadatullah
KingKhalidUniversity.Abha
12. Extracellular components
1.Collageneous fibers
2.Elastic fibres
3.Ground substance
4.Nerves
5.Blood vessels
The main fibres are the principal fibres and additional
fibres are oxytalan fibres
Dr.SyedSadatullah
KingKhalidUniversity.Abha
13. Principal fibres
The fibre bundles that exit the cementum and alveolar
bone and form the periodontal ligament are called principal
fibres.
According to the location of these fibres they can be
dentoalveolar fibres or gingival fibres
Dr.SyedSadatullah
KingKhalidUniversity.Abha
14. Dentoalveolar fibre group
1. Alveolar crest group – near the cervical region
2. Horizontal fibre group – near the midroot
3. Oblique fibre group – immediately above apical group
4. Apical fibre group – near the apical area of the root
5. Interradicular group – between two roots
Dr.SyedSadatullah
KingKhalidUniversity.Abha
16. Gingival fibre group
A. Dentogingival group – these fibres are the most
numerous, extending from the cervical cementum to the
lamina propria of the gingiva.
B. Alveologingival group – these fibres extend from the
alveolar crest to the lamina propria of the gingiva.
C. Circular of Circumferential fibres– continuous around
the neck of the tooth.
D. Transseptal fibres– these fibers extend from the
cervical cementum of one tooth to the cervical
cementum of the other.
Dentogingival group and alveologingival group fibers
embed in attached gingiva and free gingiva, hence, also
called attached gingival group and free gingival group
fibers.
Dr.SyedSadatullah
KingKhalidUniversity.Abha
17. Elastic fibres
Apart from principal fibres additional fine fibres appear
in the periodontal ligament that are called oxytalan
fibres.
These fibres support the principal fibres system and are
considered to be part of the indifferent fibre plexus.
They are elastic-like and appear around the vessel
walls.
Other elastic fibers are elastin and elaunin fibers.
Dr.SyedSadatullah
KingKhalidUniversity.Abha
18. Vascular and Nerve supply
There are spaces between the fibre bundles called the
interstitial spaces.
The interstitial spaces contain blood vessels, lymph
channels, and nerves.
These structures help maintain the vitality of the
periodontal ligament.
Dr.SyedSadatullah
KingKhalidUniversity.Abha