1. A type of immovable joint in which a tooth is held firmly in its socket in the jawbone by connective tissue fibers.
Usage: anatomical term; also called a dentoalveolar joint

Examples

• The gomphosis is the specialized joint that anchors each tooth to the alveolar bone.
• Unlike other joints in the body, the gomphosis allows virtually no movement.
• Dental students learn about the gomphosis as part of oral anatomy.
• The gomphosis consists of the periodontal ligament connecting the tooth root to the bone.
• Damage to the gomphosis can result in tooth loss or loosening.