The Configuration Of Transseptal Fibers At The Maxillary Midline

Objective: Transseptal fibers of the maxilla and mandible have been shown to be a part of the periodontium surrounding a tooth and forming a cord that connects teeth . However, based on clinical observations, the configuration of these fibers at the maxillary midline may be histologically different. The differences in the layout of these fibers seem to contribute to dynamics of the soft and hard tissues of the midline that differ the rest of the entire arch. Thus, the objective of this study was to use cadaveric gingival samples to examine whether the configuration stands as previously described—namely that the transseptal fibers are contiguous at the maxillary midline as they are through the entire arch—or if they in fact take on a different configuration more similar to the median raphe found at the palate and maxilla. Methods: To examine the configuration of these fibers, gingival tissue samples from a ten cadavers were taken from the interdental papilla, at the maxillary midline between the central incisors and also between the central and lateral incisor, which served as a control. These samples were then processed, cut, stained using H&E and Masson's Trichrome stains, and studied microscopically. Results: The fibers at the maxillary midline were indeed more similar to the configuration of the median raphe rather than being contiguous as was the samples taken from between the central and lateral incisor. These observations were then compared to the original samples taken from patients in the previous study and served to verify the median-raphe-like configuration found in the cadaveric samples. Conclusion: It appears that the transseptal fibers at the maxillary midline are unlike the rest of the arch, showing to be a median-raphe-like configuration whereas the central to lateral fibers appear to be continuous. Supported by the Baylor Oral Health Foundation.