DENTO-ALVEOLAR RESORPTION IN PERIODONTAL DISORDERS 313 



pockets may, however, occur when there is very httle or no swelHng 

 of the gingiva. This happens frequently on the hngual side in the 

 upper jaw. 



In histological sections it can be observed that progressive gingi- 

 val resorptions usually are caused by fingerlike proliferations of 

 inflamed gingival connective tissue. They may leave trabeculae of 

 dentin in the resorption cavities, giving them a bonelike structure. 

 This happens so frequently that a differential diagnosis between 

 subgingival caries and resorption cavities can be based on this find- 

 ing. In some cases bone or a hard tissue similar to bone is produced 

 in resorption cavities (Fig. II). 



Fig. 11. Resorption extending far into the crown of a molar from proliferat- 

 ing gingival granulation tissue. (X 10.) 



Gingival resorptions of the teeth by means of perforating vessels 

 also occur. They may start from the gingival papilla and extend 

 deep into the crown (Figs. II and 12), This type of resorption is 

 very often observed in the periodontal bone during the eruption of 

 the permanent teeth. 



Resorptions of the teeth in the marginal region relatively seldom 

 appear as compared with the nearly constant alveolar crest resorp- 

 tions in periodontal disorders. Advanced resorptions of the alveolar 



