Nonbanded fibrils of collagenous nature in human periodontal connective tissue

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Abstract
Human teeth with adhering periodontal tissues were obtained and processed for electron microscopy. Thin sections were cut through cementum and adjacent soft tissue. An increased occurrence of nonbanded fibrils was observed near the root surface adjacent to marginal areas of chronic inflammation. Bundles of fine filaments protruded from the cementum surface as extensions of cross‐banded matrix fibrils. Nonbanded filaments were seen between collagen fibrils in the periodontal ligament as well as in direct continuation of such fibrils. In areas were beading of the filaments could be distinctly observed, the periodicity of the beading often corresponded to the periodicity of collagen cross banding. The number of filaments present in various sites appeared to be inversely proportional to the amount of intact collagen fibrils remaining. The location and appearance of the nonbanded structures indicate that they to a large extent represent partially decomposed collagen fibrils.