Collagen turnover rate in the gingiva is:

 # Collagen turnover rate in the gingiva is:

A. lower than that in the periodontal ligament

B. Higher than that in the periodontal ligament

C. Equal to that in the periodontal ligament

D. Very less as collagen fibrils are mature cell components

The correct answer is A. Lower than that in the periodontal ligament.

Overall, collagen turnover rate in the gingiva is lower than that in the periodontal ligament. Slow gingival fiber turnover may result from the lowered functional stress on this tissue as the transseptal fibers function in a manner similar to tendons, providing firm anchorage of the tooth. Remodeling and regeneration of gingival epithelium can also be slow. This is evidenced by the appearance of a red patch in the soft tissue region away from which a tooth is moved, which is caused by exposure of tissues underneath the epithelium.