Periodontium Structure and Function Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does the periodontium look like?

The periodontium is the functional unit of the teeth, composed of the gingiva, periodontal ligament (PDL), cementum, and alveolar bone. It surrounds and supports the teeth, connecting them to the jaw bone and maintaining their stability.

What is ankylosis? (Select all that apply)

Fusion between the alveolar bone and the cementum of the teeth (correct)
A fibrous mobile root-and-socket joint
A type of joint found in sharks (correct)
A condition that can lead to tooth mobility

What is gomphosis?

Gomphosis is a fibrous mobile root-and-socket joint, characterized by a tight union between the tooth root and the bony socket of the jaw. It allows for some degree of movement, which is essential for chewing.

What does the PDL consist of? (Select all that apply)

Proteoglycans (C), Ground substance (E) Signup and view all the answers

How does the PDL absorb occlusal forces?

The PDL fibers transmit the occlusal forces to the bone and teeth. The collagen fibers of the PDL act as shock absorbers, distributing the force over a larger area and protecting the bone and teeth from excessive stress. Signup and view all the answers

How is the PDL adapted to its neuromuscular function? Select all that apply.

Pain fibers (A), Nerves (B), Mechanoreceptors (C), Blood vessels (F) Signup and view all the answers

How often does the PDL undergo remodelling?

The PDL undergoes constant remodelling and adaptive changes in response to loading and movement. Signup and view all the answers

Why do we have a PDL?

The PDL is essential for chewing. It allows for some degree of tooth movement, which is necessary for grinding and crushing food. It also acts as a shock absorber, protecting the teeth and bone from excessive stress. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of occlusal loading on the PDL?

Occlusal loading affects the PDL's width. Regular mechanical stimulation helps maintain the PDL's width, but changes in occlusal force can lead to changes in PDL width. For example, over-eruption of a tooth can thin the PDL, while tooth mobility can cause it to thicken. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in hypofunction of the PDL?

Hypofunction of the PDL is characterized by reduced loading, resulting in a narrower PDL. This narrowing can lead to bone formation, collagen fiber disorganization, and decreased ligament space. Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential consequences of multidirectional forces on the tooth (occlusal trauma)? Select all that apply.

Absence of neuromuscular control of mastication (A), Abnormal occlusal support (C), Abnormal occlusal function (E) Signup and view all the answers

Summarise how occlusal loading affects the PDL.

Occlusal loading plays a critical role in maintaining the PDL's width and function. Regular mechanical stimulation helps maintain the PDL's width. Excessive occlusal loading can lead to changes in PDL width, fiber orientation, and bone resorption or formation, potentially leading to occlusal trauma. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different types of occlusal disharmonies you can have? (Select all that apply)

Premature contacts going into ICP (B), Irregular contacts during protrusive movements (C), Irregular contacts during lateral excursion (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is parafunctional occlusal force?

Parafunctional occlusal forces are tooth-to-tooth contacts that occur when not in the act of eating. This includes habits like bruxism (grinding), clenching, and chewing on objects. Signup and view all the answers

What does periodontal disease do?

Periodontal disease reduces the surface area of the PDL, compromising its ability to absorb occlusal forces. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between primary and secondary occlusal trauma? (Select all that apply)

Primary occlusal trauma occurs in periodontally healthy teeth (A), Secondary occlusal trauma is caused by excessive occlusal load (B), Secondary occlusal trauma occurs in periodontally diseased teeth (D), Primary occlusal trauma is caused by excessive occlusal load (E) Signup and view all the answers

Occlusal trauma causes periodontitis.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Does occlusal trauma affect the following? (Select all that apply)

Tooth wear (A), Tooth mobility (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is ankylosis and gomphosis?

Ankylosis is the fusion of the alveolar bone and cementum, creating a rigid connection. Gomphosis, the normal state, is a fibrous and mobile joint between the root and socket. Signup and view all the answers

What does the PDL comprise?

The PDL comprises a hydroelastic matrix containing proteoglycans and ground substance. Signup and view all the answers

How is the PDL adapted to its neuromuscular function?

The PDL contains pain fibers and mechanoreceptors that provide proprioception, contributing to masticatory control and salivation. Signup and view all the answers

How often does the PDL undergo remodelling and why?

The PDL undergoes continuous remodelling and adapts to changes in loading and movement. Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential consequences of multidirectional forces on the tooth (occlusal trauma)?

Multidirectional forces can lead to occlusal disharmonies, parafunction due to loss of neuromuscular control during mastication, and abnormal occlusal support due to periodontitis. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different types of occlusal disharmonies you can have?

Disharmonies include premature contacts during Intercuspal Position (ICP), uneven contacts during protrusive movements, non-working side contacts during lateral excursions, and interferences in guidance. Signup and view all the answers

What is primary and secondary occlusal trauma?

Primary occlusal trauma occurs when excessive forces are applied to healthy teeth, while secondary trauma occurs when excessive forces are applied to already compromised teeth with periodontal disease. Signup and view all the answers

Does occlusal trauma cause periodontitis?

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Structure of Periodontium

The periodontium includes the supporting structures of teeth: PDL, alveolar bone, and gingiva.

Ankylosis Definition

Ankylosis is fusion between alveolar bone and cementum, seen in some species like sharks.

Gomphosis Definition

Gomphosis is a fibrous mobile joint where teeth fit into sockets.

Composition of PDL

The periodontal ligament (PDL) comprises a hydroelastic matrix of proteoglycans and ground substance.