Widened Periodontal Ligament Space


Definition: Increased width of periodontal ligament space due to inflammation.  The normal width of a periodontal ligament space should be 0.5 mm or less.

Radiographic Features:

Location: Associated with a tooth.

Edge: Well-defined.

Shape: Periodontal ligament space still maintains shape of root or roots, but is increased in size (more than 0.5 mm).

Internal: Radiolucent.

Other: None.

Number: May be single or multiple.

(click image to enlarge)

Widened periodontal ligament space

(Left – with circle noting larger size but still same shape as root) (Right – without circle)