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Periodontal Ligament

The periodontal ligament is a connective tissue that extends between tooth roots and sockets. These ligaments, along with the alveolar bone help stabilize the teeth. In periodontal disease, as the inflammation spreads and worsens, it will soon attack the periodontal ligament that holds the teeth in place. At this point, a dentist would use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of each periodontal pocket. Periodontitis does not progress steadily, but rather intermittently. Symptoms and the...

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    Full Periodontal Ligament Description

    [Continued from above] . . . rate of destruction vary. The third stage of the disease will see erosion of the gum, pockets will deepen, and more potent forms of bacteria develop. The periodontal ligament and alveolar bone become inflamed. In the fourth stage, there is so much ligament and bone loss that the tooth, no longer stable, will loosen in its socket.