Interdental Papilla
The pyramid-shaped gingival tissue that occupies the embrasure space between two adjacent teeth.
Full Definition
The interdental papilla fills the interproximal space apical to the contact point of adjacent teeth, serving both aesthetic and functional roles by preventing food impaction. In the anterior dentition it typically has a pyramidal shape, whereas in the posterior it may present as a col — a saddle-shaped depression between buccal and lingual peaks. Loss of the interdental papilla, often resulting from periodontal disease or trauma, produces the 'black triangle' appearance that is of significant aesthetic concern to patients. The papilla is highly vascularised and is frequently the first gingival site to exhibit signs of inflammation. Editors should not confuse this anatomical structure with the surgically reconstructed entity addressed in papilla reconstruction procedures.
Usage
Usage note: The plural is 'interdental papillae.' Editors should be alert to inconsistent use of 'papilla' (singular) vs 'papillae' (plural) within the same document.
In Context
- "Blunting and erythema of the interdental papilla between teeth 11 and 12 were consistent with localised gingivitis." — Clinical examination report
- "The Nordland and Tarnow classification was used to grade interdental papilla loss prior to orthodontic treatment." — Orthodontic-periodontic case note