Interdental papilla is gingival tissue between teeth and gingiva. Normal papilla fills entire embrasure space apical to contact point. Norland and Tarnow classified papilla based on CEJ position. Papilla presence index (PPI) scores papilla presence from 1 (completely present) to 4 (apical to both CEJ)
Periodontal instruments consist of handle, shank, and working end. Handles are available in various weights, diameters, and textures. Shanks can be functional or terminal, with different lengths for different areas
Gingival sulcus is space between tooth and gingival tissue lined by sulcular epithelium. Healthy sulcular depth is 3mm or less, easily self-cleansable. Junctional epithelium develops during tooth eruption, attaches to enamel. Sulcular epithelium is thicker than junctional epithelium, not attached to teeth
Scaling and root planing removes plaque and calculus from teeth and roots. Procedure is part of non-surgical periodontal therapy. Treatment requires numbing and cleaning one quarter of mouth at a time
Alveolar process contains tooth sockets on maxilla and mandible. Composed of compact bone with numerous blood vessel openings. Terminates along mandibular canal and is covered by gums. Contains lamina dura lining around tooth roots
CEJ marks the junction between tooth crown and root. Gingiva attaches to healthy teeth at this junction. Active recession reveals CEJ and indicates periodontal disease. CEJ serves as landmark for measuring pocket depth and attachment level