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In dental anatomy, the gingival sulcus is an area of potential space between a tooth and the surrounding gingival tissue and is lined by sulcular epithelium. The depth of the sulcus (Latin for groove ) is bounded by two entities: apically by the gingival fibers of the connective tissue attachment and coronally by the free gingival margin .
More colloquially, the condition may be referred to as gap teeth or tooth gap. In humans, the term is most commonly applied to an open space between the upper incisors (front teeth). It happens when there is an unequal relationship between the size of the teeth and the jaw. Diastemata are common for children and can exist in adult teeth as well.
This thin "measuring stick" is gently placed into the space between the gums and the teeth, and slipped below the gumline. If the probe can slip more than 3 mm (0.12 in) below the gumline, the person is said to have a gingival pocket if no migration of the epithelial attachment has occurred or a periodontal pocket if apical migration has occurred.
The oral cavity has sometimes been described as a mirror that reflects the health of the individual. [2] Changes indicative of disease are seen as alterations in the oral mucosa lining the mouth, which can reveal systemic conditions, such as diabetes or vitamin deficiency , or the local effects of chronic tobacco or alcohol use. [ 3 ]
The interdental gum lies between the teeth. They occupy the gingival embrasure, which is the interproximal space beneath the area of tooth contact. The interdental papilla can be pyramidal or have a "col" shape. Attached gums are resistant to the forces of chewing and covered in keratin.
A periodontal pocket can become an infected space and may result in an abscess formation with a papule on the gingival surface. Incision and drainage of the abscess may be necessary, as well as systemic antibiotics; placement of local antimicrobial delivery systems within the periodontal pocket to reduce localized infections may also be considered.
The dental papilla contains cells that develop into odontoblasts, which are dentin-forming cells. [2] Additionally, the junction between the dental papilla and inner enamel epithelium determines the crown shape of a tooth. [1] Mesenchymal cells within the dental papilla are responsible for formation of tooth pulp.
Gingival retraction or gingival recession is when there is lateral movement of the gingival margin away from the tooth surface. [1] [2] It is usually termed gingival retraction as an intentional procedure, and in such cases it is performed by mechanical, chemical, or electrical means in order to perform certain dental surgery procedures.