Anatomy
Periodontal ligament
The periodontal ligament is a band of tough fibers that connects the root of a tooth to the bone of its socket. It holds the tooth in place and absorbs chewing force.
The periodontal ligament is a thin web of fibers around the tooth root. One end attaches to the cementum. The other end attaches to the alveolar bone of the jaw. This is how the tooth stays anchored in the bone.
Gum disease can damage the ligament and the bone around it. As the damage grows, teeth can become loose. A dentist checks for this with an exam, gum measurements and x-rays. Our office describes gum care on its periodontal care page.