Older name?
Biologic width.
← All explanationsSupracrestal tissue attachment
What is supracrestal tissue attachment?
Supracrestal tissue attachment is the connection of gingival tissue to the tooth above the alveolar bone crest. It includes junctional epithelium and connective tissue attachment. The older term is biologic width. Its height varies between sites and individuals.
For training & practice ↓
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Above the bone crest
In cross-section, the bone crest, connective tissue attachment and junctional epithelium are arranged vertically. These tissues form the attached interface between tooth and gingiva.
Different from the sulcus
The gingival sulcus is the narrow space beside the gingival margin. It is not itself part of the attachment. Clinical probing does not directly reveal the separate microscopic tissues.
Relevant to restoration margins
A restoration margin within the connective attachment can be associated with inflammation and loss of supporting tissue. Margin position should therefore be planned for the individual tissue situation.
Read the full explanation
Above the bone crest
In cross-section, the bone crest, connective tissue attachment and junctional epithelium are arranged vertically. These tissues form the attached interface between tooth and gingiva.
Different from the sulcus
The gingival sulcus is the narrow space beside the gingival margin. It is not itself part of the attachment. Clinical probing does not directly reveal the separate microscopic tissues.
Relevant to restoration margins
A restoration margin within the connective attachment can be associated with inflammation and loss of supporting tissue. Margin position should therefore be planned for the individual tissue situation.
Notes on the teaching images
- Schematic tissue zones · not to scale
- Enlargement is not a histological finding
- The model specifies no fixed millimetre rule
At a glance
Always the same height?
No.
Important for crowns?
Yes, particularly margin placement.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
Attachment or periodontal pocket?
Attachment describes the tissue connection to the tooth. A pocket is a clinically probeable space. They refer to different structures.
Quick answers
Is it exactly two millimetres at every tooth?
No. Average values are not a fixed anatomical requirement for every person and surface.
Is every margin below the gum harmful?
Not automatically. Its exact position, tissue conditions, cleanability and other findings matter.
Does a problem always require surgery?
No. The cause is assessed first. Options depend on the margin, remaining tooth structure and periodontal findings, among other factors.
At the practice
For the appointment
You can bring this question to your appointment:
Where will the restoration margin sit in relation to the tissue attachment?
Discuss your individual findings and whether a referral is appropriate.
Discuss your findingsAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Supracrestal
- Located above the alveolar bone crest.
- Junctional epithelium
- The epithelial tissue attachment to the tooth.
Make the distinction
Attachment describes the tissue connection to the tooth. A pocket is a clinically probeable space. They refer to different structures.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.