Periodontium: anatomy — gingiva, PDL, cementum, alveolar bone
Periodontology · Dental (BDS)
Tooth explorer
Interactive 3DPeel through enamel, dentin and pulp — then switch to implants, braces or dentures.
Controls
Drag the sliders or type a value — the simulation updates live.
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Study notes
Why is the PDL called a 'shock absorber with sensors'? Its fibres suspend the tooth so chewing forces distribute to bone instead of hammering it — shock absorption. And its nerve endings sense pressure and position (proprioception), which is why you can feel a tiny seed between teeth. Students learn: the PDL is why teeth tolerate biting forces that would shatter rigidly-fixed objects.