The Forgotten Triangular Space: Anatomy, Disease Mechanisms, and Contemporary Management of Interdental Embrasures—A Narrative Review
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: The interdental papilla forms a critical component of the gingival complex, occupying the embrasure space between adjacent teeth and contributing to aesthetic harmony, phonetic integrity, and defense against food impaction and microbial colonization. Loss of papillary height, manifesting as open embrasures or "black triangles," arises from diverse etiologies, including periodontal disease progression, traumatic hygiene practices, divergent root angulations, aging-related tissue atrophy, and iatrogenic factors. This condition not only compromises smile aesthetics but also predisposes to plaque retention, root sensitivity, and localized inflammation. With increasing patient awareness of cosmetic outcomes, effective maintenance and reconstruction of embrasure spaces have gained prominence in periodontal therapy.
Source: Cureus
Authors: Shweta Ann Jacob, Reshma Suresh, Shankar S Menon, Arun Kurumathur Vasudevan, Biju Balakrishnan, Maya Rajan Peter
Institution: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Language: English
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7125495341