1. Dentogingival junction
BDS III Lectures
Dr. S. Singh

2. Three zones of the gingival epithelium
Crevicular (or sulcular) epithelium
Junctional epithelium
Oral epithelium

3. Dentogingival junction
Defined as the oral epithelium that extends from the mucogingival junction to the gingival margin where crevicular/sulcular epithelium lines the sulcus
At the base of the sulcus  connection between gingiva and tooth is mediated with JUNCTIONAL EPITHELIUM

4. Junctional epithelium

5. Derived from REE
In health, JE lies against the enamel and extends to the CEJ
Base of gingival crevice is the free surface of the JE
JE is very fragile and does not form a barrier against probing
Cells are large and loosely connected together
Attach via hemidesmosomes to the tooth surface, with fewer tonofilaments and desmosomal junctions
About 40 cells long from apex to sulcular surface
Undergoes constant renewal of cells by cell division, with no keratinized surface epithelium

6. Mild gingival inflammation:

7. In health or mild gingival inflammation, sulcus has a depth of 0
In health or mild gingival inflammation, sulcus has a depth of mm
Average of 1.8-2mm
Any depth that is greater than 3mm is regarded as PATHOLOGIC (periodontal pocket)
The sulcus contains fluid that passes through the JE – purpose of the fluid
Defense mechanism of the DGJ
Washes the crevice, carrying out shed epithelial cells, leucocytes, bacteria and other debris
Plasma proteins may influence epithelial attachment to the tooth
Contains antimicrobial agenst (lysozymes)
Carries PMN’s, leucocytes, macropahges, immunoglobulins