Fibrous gum tissue, also known as fibrotic gingiva, is gum tissue that exhibits hyperkeratinization, leading to a thickened, abnormally whitish appearance of the epithelium's keratin layer.
Characteristics of Fibrous Gum Tissue
- Appearance: It appears light in color and feels firm to the touch.
- Color Explanation: The lighter color is due to reduced blood flow and constricted blood vessels within the tissue.
- Structure: It's essentially hyperkeratinized tissue, meaning there's an overproduction of keratin.
- Texture: This overproduction leads to an abnormal thickening of the keratin layer, giving it a tough, fibrous texture.
In simpler terms, imagine healthy gum tissue as a soft, pink, and well-vascularized surface. Fibrous gum tissue, on the other hand, is like a thickened, less flexible, and paler version due to changes at the cellular level.
