The Topography and Role of the Gingival Fibers

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Abstract
Beginning subjacent to the epithelial attachment in the buccolingual aspect, 3 groups of fibers are seen passing out at right angles of the surface of the tooth. The more occlusally placed group bend occlusally passing into the gingiva and terminating in the papillary layer of the gingival epithelium. The group just below run across the gingiva at right angles to the tooth and become incorporated in the papillary area of the gingiva. A little further apically the fibers arise from the cementum, pass at right angles to the tooth directly over the alveolar crest and then incline apically between the outer periosteum of the alveolar process and the epithelial covering of the attached gingiva. On the proximal sides the connective tissue fibers arise from the cementum at the same level as those on the buccal and lingual aspects. The groups subjacent to the epithelial attachment passes occlusally travelling parallel to the crevicular epithelium. The next adjacent group of fibers also passes occlusally and seemingly makes up the framework of the interproximal gingiva. Directly subjacent to these the transeptal fibers are seen. The function of the gingival fibers is to support the gingiva, keeping it closely adapted to the tooth surface, thus sustaining the gingiva against forces placed on it during mastication. These fibers may also help in the dissipation of forces placed on the tooth during function.
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