Changes in nerve supply to aging human gingiva.
The innervation of the gingivae of dentulous and edentulous individuals was studied. There was a decrease in the number of nerves in the gingivae of dentulous individuals. The nerves present showed degenerative changes such as fibrosis, fragmentation, and reticulation. In the edentulous gingivae, there was a marked loss of nerves and terminal endings. Nerves observed were restricted to the base of the lamina propria adjacent to the underlying bone.
Adolescent↗