Gingival margin: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:20, 15 February 2025

Gingival Margin[edit]

Diagram of the periodontium, showing the gingival margin.

The gingival margin is the most coronal point of the gingiva, or gum tissue, surrounding the teeth. It is an important anatomical feature in the oral cavity and plays a crucial role in dental health.

Anatomy[edit]

The gingival margin is the edge of the gingiva that is closest to the biting surface of the teeth. It forms the boundary between the free gingiva and the attached gingiva. The free gingiva is the part of the gingiva that surrounds the tooth and is not directly attached to the tooth surface, while the attached gingiva is firmly bound to the underlying alveolar bone.

Function[edit]

The gingival margin serves as a protective barrier for the underlying periodontium, which includes the cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. It helps to prevent the invasion of bacteria and other pathogens into the deeper structures of the periodontium.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The health of the gingival margin is a key indicator of overall periodontal health. Inflammation or recession of the gingival margin can be a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis, which are common periodontal diseases.

Gingival Recession[edit]

Gingival recession occurs when the gingival margin moves apically, exposing the root surface of the tooth. This can lead to increased sensitivity, risk of root caries, and aesthetic concerns. Causes of gingival recession include periodontal disease, aggressive tooth brushing, and trauma.

Gingival Inflammation[edit]

Inflammation of the gingival margin, known as gingivitis, is characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. It is often caused by the accumulation of dental plaque and can progress to periodontitis if left untreated.

Maintenance[edit]

Proper oral hygiene practices, such as regular tooth brushing and flossing, are essential for maintaining the health of the gingival margin. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings can help prevent and manage gingival and periodontal diseases.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Gingival fibroma''' is a benign [[neoplasm]] that originates from the [[gingival tissue]]. It is characterized by a slow-growing, firm, and asymptomatic mass that is usually pink in color, similar to the surrounding gingival tissue. The condition can occur at any age and is not gender-specific.
+== Gingival Margin ==
-==Etiology==
+[[File:Periodontium.svg|thumb|right|Diagram of the periodontium, showing the gingival margin.]]
-The exact cause of gingival fibroma is unknown. However, it is believed to be associated with genetic factors, hormonal changes, and chronic irritation. Some studies suggest that it may be related to the [[Tuberous sclerosis]] complex, a genetic disorder that causes noncancerous (benign) tumors to grow in many parts of the body.
+The '''gingival margin''' is the most coronal point of the [[gingiva]], or gum tissue, surrounding the teeth. It is an important anatomical feature in the [[oral cavity]] and plays a crucial role in [[dental health]].
-==Clinical Features==
+=== Anatomy ===
+The gingival margin is the edge of the gingiva that is closest to the biting surface of the teeth. It forms the boundary between the [[free gingiva]] and the [[attached gingiva]]. The free gingiva is the part of the gingiva that surrounds the tooth and is not directly attached to the tooth surface, while the attached gingiva is firmly bound to the underlying [[alveolar bone]].
-Gingival fibromas are usually asymptomatic and are often discovered during routine dental examinations. They are typically less than 1 cm in diameter and have a smooth or lobulated surface. The color of the fibroma is usually similar to the surrounding gingival tissue, but it can also be slightly paler or darker. The fibroma is usually firm to touch and does not bleed unless traumatized.
+=== Function ===
+The gingival margin serves as a protective barrier for the underlying [[periodontium]], which includes the [[cementum]], [[periodontal ligament]], and alveolar bone. It helps to prevent the invasion of bacteria and other pathogens into the deeper structures of the periodontium.
-==Diagnosis==
+=== Clinical Significance ===
+The health of the gingival margin is a key indicator of overall [[periodontal health]]. Inflammation or recession of the gingival margin can be a sign of [[gingivitis]] or [[periodontitis]], which are common [[periodontal diseases]].
-The diagnosis of gingival fibroma is usually made based on the clinical features and histopathological examination. The differential diagnosis includes other benign gingival lesions such as [[pyogenic granuloma]], [[peripheral ossifying fibroma]], and [[peripheral giant cell granuloma]].
+==== Gingival Recession ====
+Gingival recession occurs when the gingival margin moves apically, exposing the root surface of the tooth. This can lead to increased sensitivity, risk of root caries, and aesthetic concerns. Causes of gingival recession include [[periodontal disease]], aggressive tooth brushing, and [[trauma]].
-==Treatment==
+==== Gingival Inflammation ====
+Inflammation of the gingival margin, known as gingivitis, is characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. It is often caused by the accumulation of [[dental plaque]] and can progress to periodontitis if left untreated.
-The treatment of choice for gingival fibroma is surgical excision. The prognosis after surgical removal is excellent, with a low recurrence rate. However, regular follow-up is recommended to monitor for any signs of recurrence.
+=== Maintenance ===
+Proper oral hygiene practices, such as regular [[tooth brushing]] and [[flossing]], are essential for maintaining the health of the gingival margin. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings can help prevent and manage gingival and periodontal diseases.
-==See Also==
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Gingiva]]
+* [[Periodontium]]
+* [[Gingivitis]]
+* [[Periodontitis]]
+* [[Dental plaque]]
-* [[Gingival hyperplasia]]
+[[Category:Dentistry]]
-* [[Gingival enlargement]]
+[[Category:Periodontology]]
-* [[Fibroma]]
-* [[Tuberous sclerosis]]
-[[Category:Dental conditions]]
-[[Category:Oral pathology]]
-[[Category:Benign neoplasms]]
-{{Oral pathology}}
-{{Dentistry-stub}}