- The success of periodontal therapy primarily depends on the health and integrity of the alveolar bone and the periodontal ligament.
- These anatomical structures play a crucial role in supporting the teeth and maintaining the stability of the periodontium.

- The alveolar bone is the part of the jawbone that contains the tooth sockets (alveoli) and provides the necessary support for teeth.
- Periodontal therapy aims to halt or reverse the destruction of this bone caused by periodontal disease.
- Preservation or regeneration of the alveolar bone is key to achieving long-term stability of the dentition.

- The periodontal ligament is a specialized connective tissue that connects the tooth root to the alveolar bone.
- It absorbs the mechanical forces during mastication and helps maintain tooth position.
- Healing and regeneration of the periodontal ligament are essential for restoring the functional attachment between tooth and bone after therapy.

Other structures mentioned, such as the palatal mucosa, tongue papillae, mandibular canal, mental foramen, buccal fat pad, and masseter muscle, are important in oral anatomy but do not directly influence the success of periodontal treatment.

Therefore, the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament are central to the outcome of periodontal therapy due to their role in supporting and anchoring the teeth.

Reference: Carranza’s Clinical Periodontology, 13th Edition, Chapter 2 - Anatomy of Periodontium