Marginal Gingiva
The free, unattached collar of gingival tissue that surrounds the cervical portion of a tooth and forms the outer wall of the gingival sulcus.
Full Definition
The marginal gingiva, also called the free gingiva, is the terminal edge of the gingiva that is not directly bound to the underlying tooth or bone. It typically extends approximately 1–2 mm coronal to the cementoenamel junction in a healthy dentition and delineates the entrance to the gingival sulcus. Its knife-edge contour is considered a clinical hallmark of gingival health. Oedema, erythema, or blunting of the marginal gingiva are among the earliest visual indicators of gingivitis. Editors should note that 'marginal gingiva' and 'free gingiva' are used interchangeably in the literature, though some style guides prefer one form.
Usage
Usage note: 'Free gingiva' and 'marginal gingiva' are synonymous; editors should standardise to whichever term the house style requires and apply it consistently throughout a document.
In Context
- "Inflammation of the marginal gingiva was noted at baseline in 62% of participants." — Clinical trial report
- "The scalpel incision was placed 1 mm from the marginal gingiva to preserve tissue volume." — Surgical technique description