PART II

PERIODONTAL LIGAMENT

WRITTEN
REPORT

Submitted by:

Iryn A. Lagarto
Submitted to:

Dr. Katrina Zarina G. Roslin

 The most important function of the periodontal ligament is support of
the teeth. Collagen fibers, vasculature and ground substance of PDL
are supporting system of tooth.

Failure of this function results in tooth loss.

Every time the teeth are clenched, as in  During mastication or application of

mastication, the periodontal fibers are
stretched and then relaxed.
orthodontic force, part of PDL will be
narrowed and compressed and the
other will be widen, the compressed
PDL provide support for loaded tooth
while collagen fibers and the ground
substance act as a cushion , but collagen
fibers in widened part extend and being
non-elastic prevent tooth from moving
too far.

 Pressure of Blood in vessels provides a

This system is highly efficient to compensate
for the thousands of times this ligament is
called into action.
hydraulic cushion.
 PDL is suspensory ligament, has
elasticity. Load is dissipated to alveolar
bone and placed in tension, on release
of load tooth recovery to its position.
 The periodontal ligament is supplied with abundant receptors and nerves that sense any
movement in function. When receptors sense pressure, the nerves send signals to the brain, which
informs the masticatory apparatus, including the temporomandibular joint and muscles of mastication.

 The PDL nerve fibers transmit sensation of touch,

pressure & pain to higher centers.
 Also provide the proprioceptive mechanism to
detect an application of small force to the teeth &
also very small displacement of teeth.
 Thus, it helps in protecting the supporting
structures of tooth & substance of crown from
effects of the masticatory force.
 Pain sensation is transmitted through small
diameter nerves, temperature by intermediate type
& pressure by large myelinated fibers

 The blood vessels of the ligament provide the

essential nutrients for the ligament’s vitality
and for the hard tissue of cementum and
alveolar bone.
 All cells, such as fibroblasts, osteoblasts,
cementoblasts, and even the resorptive
osteoclasts and macrophage cells, require the
nutrition that is carried by the blood vessels
of the ligament.
 They are also concerned with removal of
catabolites.
 Occlusion of blood vessel when heavy force applied
to tooth in ortho therapy, leads to necrosis of cells.

Periodontal tissues function in maintenance of the masticatory apparatus because these

tissues heal readily. The interaction of the connective tissue cells with their intercellular
environment is a continuous process. These tissues function for a lifetime if health is maintained
and appropriate care is provided.