FIBROBLASTS are the principal cell type in the fibrous connective tissues of the periodontium. They perform important functions
in development, physiology, disease and treatment of the fibrous connective tissues of the periodontium.
Fibroblasts have important roles in the development, structure, and function of the tooth support apparatus.1
Fibroblasts synthesize
and remodel extracellular matrices including collagen and elastin fibres and a large complement of nonfibrillar glycoproteins. These
cells also exhibit contractility and motility, functions that contribute to the structural organization of the tissue, especially during
development of the periodontal ligament. As the fibroblast is the major cell type in the periodontal connective tissues, it plays a
significant role in normal turnover, repair, and regeneration. In connective tissue remodeling,
