Junctional Epithelium
Pronunciation: JUNK-shun-al ep-ih-THEE-lee-um
Also written as: JE — Junctional Epithelium
The band of non-keratinised epithelial cells that forms a direct attachment to the implant surface or tooth at the base of the gingival sulcus, sealing the underlying connective tissue from the oral environment.
Full Definition
Junctional epithelium (JE) provides the primary soft-tissue seal against the oral cavity at the implant–tissue interface. Around implants, it is sometimes referred to as implant junctional epithelium and attaches to the transmucosal surface via hemidesmosomes and a basal lamina. Its coronal boundary marks the base of the peri-implant sulcus, and its apical boundary defines the extent of the biological width. Loss or disruption of junctional epithelium is associated with the progression of peri-implantitis. Editors should be careful not to conflate this term with sulcular epithelium, which is the non-adherent lining of the sulcus wall.
Usage
Usage note: Abbreviate as 'JE' only after the full term has been introduced at first mention. Do not use 'epithelial attachment' as a direct synonym without clarification, as it can also refer to the broader concept of tissue attachment.
In Context
- "The study measured the apico-coronal height of the junctional epithelium as part of the biological width assessment." — Clinical research article
- "An error in the draft conflated junctional epithelium with sulcular epithelium; the editor corrected both references." — Peer review note