The periodontal ligament-periosteum sandwich hypothesis: A thought experiment on fenestrations and dehiscences

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2025 Jan;167(1):3-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2024.08.017. Epub 2024 Oct 19.

Abstract

This article describes a hypothesis for bone recovery after iatrogenic dehiscences or fenestrations. When roots are moved out of the alveolar bone, the periodontal ligament and periosteum form a bilayer membrane (sandwich) over the exposed root. If the root is allowed to relapse back toward its original position, bone recovery will occur between the periodontal ligament and periosteum.

MeSH terms

  • Alveolar Process / diagnostic imaging
  • Alveolar Process / pathology
  • Bone Regeneration / physiology
  • Humans
  • Iatrogenic Disease
  • Periodontal Ligament* / pathology
  • Periosteum*
  • Tooth Root / diagnostic imaging