This document defines and describes the anatomy of the periodontium, specifically focusing on the gingiva. It divides the gingiva into three parts: the free/marginal gingiva, attached gingiva, and interdental papilla. The attached gingiva is firmly bound to the underlying bone and its width varies by tooth type and region. The interdental papilla fills the space between teeth. The gingival sulcus is the crevice around each tooth bounded by gum and tooth surfaces that contains crevicular fluid. The document also outlines morphological and microscopic features of the gingiva.

1. Anatomy
of the
Periodontium

2. Gingiva
Definition: its defined as that part of the oral
mucous membrane which covers the alveolar
process of the jaws and surrounds the neck of
the teeth.
Anatomically gingiva is divided into 3 parts:
 Free / Marginal Gingiva
 Attached Gingiva
 Interdental Gingival areas / Interdental Papilla

4. Free / Marginal gingiva:
Is that part which forms the periphery and surrounds the neck of the teeth in a collar
like fashion. In 50% of the cases it is demarcated from the adjacent attached gingiva
by a thin linear groove called as the “Free Gingival Groove”. It permits the entrance
of periodontal probe.
Attached gingiva:
It is continuous with the marginal gingiva. It is firm, resilient , and tightly bound to the
underlying periosteum of alveolar bone.
In the Vestibular Region, it is continuous with the alveolar mucosa. It is demarcated by
the muco-gingival junction.
The width of the attached gingiva is the distance from the muco-gingival to the
projection of the gingival sulcus.
The width of the attached gingiva is an important clinical parameter. It increases with
age and in supra erupted teeth. The width of the attached gingiva is maximum in
incisor region and least width in the first premolar region.
In Max. Incisors:  3.5 – 4.5mm
In Mand. Incisors  3.3 – 3.9mm
In Max. Premolar  1.9mm
In Mand. Premolar  1.8mm
The muco-gingival junction is a permanent feature in adult stage. It remains constant
throughout adult life.

5. Interdental Papilla:
It occupies the gingival embrasure, and the
interproximal space ( the space between 2
adjacent teeth) beneath the area of tooth contact.
It is either pyramidal or “col” shape.
“Col” : it’s a valley like depression that connects
the facial and lingual papilla. It is usually V-
shape when there is recession of gingiva. It is
convex in shape. Col is absent when there is
space between 2 teeth. Col corresponds to the
interproximal contact area.

6. Gingival sulcus
 It’s a narrow crevice or space around the
tooth bounded by the surface of the tooth on
one side and the epithelium lining the free
margin of the gingiva. The depth of the
gingival sulcus in normal healthy gingiva is
about 2-3 mm (the probing depth).
 In histological sections its depth varies (1.4 –
1.8).

7. Gingival sulcus
 The Periodontal pocket starts in the gingival sulcus.
Its an important parameter. The gingival sulcus
contains fluid known a “Crevicular Fluid”. This is
said to seep into the sulcus from the gingival
connective tissue through the thin sulcular epithelium.
1. The fluid is said to have the following functions:
2. Cleanse material from the sulcus
3. Contain plasma proteins that may improve adhesion
of the epithelium to the tooth surface,
4. Posses antimicrobial properties
5. Exert antibody activity to defend the gingiva.

8. Morphological features of gingiva
 Color
 Size
 Contour
 Shape
 Consistency
 Surface texture
 Position

9. Microscopic features
 Gingival Epithelium
 Gingival Connective Tissue