History and Nomenclature

Abstract

Modern history of the development, structure, and physiology of the periodontium dates back to 1921, albeit prior to that date several aspects of the periodontium in man and a variety of animal species had been most thoroughly described at the light-microscopic level. This early literature includes valid contributions to the comparative anatomy (Owen 1840–1845) and the development (Malassez 1884, 1885a, b; Hertwig 1874; Röse 1891) of the periodontium as well as to the structure of cellular cementum (Shmamine 1910), the nerve and vascular supply of the periodontal ligament (Wedl 1881; Dependorf 1913), and the structure and cytology of oral epithelia (Henle 1838). The bulk of relevant information, however, emerged between 1921, when Gottlieb first described the epithelial attachment to teeth, and 1984, when in western Europe and in the United States political decisions had to be taken as to how many of the existing dental schools should be closed and when — decisions which in due time will affect the creation, advancement, and free flow of scientific information. During this period of time a number of articles, published in a variety of scientific journals, reported original and substantial scientific work and became classic references.