A Demonstrable Line on Extracted Teeth Indicating the Location of the Outer Border of the Epithelial Attachment

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Abstract
This line consists of a narrow border or zone of the epithelial-attachment cuticle which is breaking down and disintegrating, and therefore stains heavier than the normal cuticle. It is always located immediately adjacent to the outer border of the epithelial attachment and therefore accurately indicates the location of that important structure, before the tooth was extracted. The epithelial-attachment cuticle is produced by the epithelial attachment and is itself attached to the primary enamel cuticle, when it is located on the enamel. It is possible to separate and differentiate these 2 cuticular structures by appropriate delicate technic. As the attachment moves apex-ward, past the cemento-enamel junction, the epithelial-attachment cuticle then rests upon cementum. The disintegrating border or zone is demonstrable on an extracted tooth specimen at any stage of the usual process of pathologic exfoliation (periodontoclasia). The tooth, preserved in 2.5% formalin, is brushed with soft brush; stained in 0.5% soln. crystal violet in water 1 to 5 min.; washed and brushed again; examined under a stereoscopic dissecting microscope, X-12, with incidental light. The purple heavier stained line is found in places and usually can be traced all way around the tooth. The author proposes the name "zone of disintegrating epithelial-attachment cuticle or zdeac" for this line. It is a useful landmark in studying dental and gingival relationships.

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