Keratinised Gingiva
Pronunciation: keh-RAT-in-eyzd jin-JY-vuh
The band of firm, stippled gingival tissue extending from the free gingival margin to the mucogingival junction, composed of stratified squamous keratinised epithelium.
Full Definition
Keratinised gingiva comprises the free gingiva and the attached gingiva, both of which are surfaced by keratinised epithelium that provides mechanical resistance to functional forces. Its width—measured from the gingival margin to the mucogingival junction—is a key outcome variable in periodontal plastic surgery and peri-implant soft tissue research. Editors must note spelling differences: 'keratinised' (British English) vs 'keratinized' (American English); manuscripts should be internally consistent. Width of keratinised tissue is commonly recorded in millimetres and reported as a primary or secondary outcome in mucogingival procedure trials.
Usage
Usage note: Standardize spelling ('keratinised' vs 'keratinized') according to the journal's house style; do not alternate within a manuscript.
In Context
- "The width of keratinised gingiva increased by a mean of 2.3 mm following connective tissue grafting." — Mucogingival surgery RCT outcomes
- "A minimum of 2 mm of keratinised gingiva was required for inclusion in the peri-implant arm of the study." — Implant clinical trial eligibility criteria