Periodontal ligament: structure and functions
Dental Anatomy, Embryology and Oral Histology · Dental (BDS)
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Study notes
Patient: A 25-year-old male presents with a localized traumatic occlusion on his upper central incisor after a sports injury. Diagnosis: Occlusal trauma resulting in widened PDL space. Treatment: 1. Conduct a periodontal probe examination to check for pocket depth. 2. Take a periapical radiograph to identify a 'widened PDL shadow' at the apex. 3. Perform selective grinding (occlusal adjustment) using a fine-grit diamond bur to remove the high spot. 4. Splint the tooth to the adjacent stable teeth using a composite resin and thin orthodontic wire for 4 weeks. Follow-up: Review at 1 month to confirm the PDL space has returned to its normal width of ~0.2 mm on the radiograph.
Related topics
- Tooth morphology: permanent dentition — incisors, canines, premolars, molars
- Tooth morphology: deciduous dentition, differences from permanent
- Tooth numbering systems: FDI, Universal, Palmer notation
- Development of face, palate, tongue, and oral cavity
- Tooth development: bud, cap, bell stages; enamel and dentin formation
- Eruption and shedding: chronology, theories of eruption