---
title: "What Is Periodontal ligament? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "The periodontal ligament is a band of tough fibers that connects the root of a tooth to the bone of its socket."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/periodontal-ligament
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-root). One end attaches to the [cementum](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cementum). The other end attaches to the [alveolar bone](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/periodontal-care).

[Town Center Dental can helpPeriodontal Care](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/periodontal-care)

## Related terms

-   [Cementum](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cementum)
-   [Alveolar bone](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/alveolar-bone)
-   [Tooth root](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-root)
-   [Periodontitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/periodontitis)
-   [Loose tooth (tooth mobility)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/loose-tooth-tooth-mobility)

## Sources

1.  [MouthHealthy (ADA): Tooth](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/tooth)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)