The Periodontal

Ligament
Dr. Shazad Qamruddin
 The Periodontal Ligament
The PDL is the connective
tissue that surrounds the root
and attaches it to the alveolar
bone

Continuous with the

connective tissues of the
gingiva and communicates
with marrow spaces in bone

Physically small,
functionally
important
 PDL
Subjected to continuous
mechanical loading

High turnover rate

Embryonic-like tissue
 PDL
Composed of
1. Fibres
2. Cells
3. ECM
4. Nerves
5. Blood &
lymphatic
vessels
General Functions of PDL
Tooth support

Proprioception

Regulation of alveolar
bone volume
 Fibres

Most important are

the principal fibres.
Other fibres are
oxytalan and eluanin
fibres (immature
elastic fibres).
 Principal fibres
Type I and III collagen

Type I arranged in bundles

Follow a wavy course

Terminal portions inserted

into cementum and bone
are termed Sharpeys fibres

Types V & VI collagen

 Groups of fibres
Transseptal group
Connect adjacent teeth
Alveolar crest group
Resist extrusion, lateral movements
Horizontal group
Resist lateral movements
Oblique group
Receive the bulk of vertical forces
Apical group
Resist intrusion & extrusion

Interradicular group
Furcation areas of multirooted teeth
 Formation of Principal Fibres
Sharpeys fibres start to form before cementum and
alveolar bone are mineralised.
Collagen Fibre Bundles
 Sharpeys fibres
At insertion, PDL fibres are fully or
partially mineralised

High levels of non-collagenous

proteins , such as osteopontin
 Cells
Fibroblasts
Osteoblasts
Cementoblasts
Defence cells:
macrophages, mast cells, eosinophils
Osteoclasts
Sensory cells
Epithelial rests of Malassez
Epithelial rests of Malassez
Interconnected Network
 Fibroblasts
Formation & remodeling of PDL fibres
necessitates special signaling system

Different populations
(origin, protein sysnthesis; ALP)
 ECM
Collagen

PG

Glycoproteins:
fibronectin, tenascin, undulin
Growth factors

Cytokines
Functions of PDL
Mechanical (physical)
Formative
Nutritive
Sensory
 Physical Functions
Protection of vessels and nerves

Transmission of occlusal forces to bone

(tension & compression)

Attachment of teeth to bone

Maintenance of gingival position

Shock absorption
Theories regarding mechanical
function of the PDL

Tensional theory
Viscoelastic theory
Thixotropic theory
 Force Transmission
Vertical forces

Horizontal or tipping
forces

Axis of rotation

Hourglass shape of PDL

Shape & structure of PDL are
adapted to its function

During normal function

During orthodontic treatment
Normal Jiggling Forces
Widened PDL After Occlusal
Adaptation Adjustment