rotfäste

Rotfäste is a Swedish term that designates the fixation or anchorage of a root in a substrate. The term is used in both biology and dentistry to describe how a root is secured.

In dentistry, rotfäste refers to how a tooth root is anchored in the alveolar bone through cementum and the surrounding periodontal ligament and bone. The integrity of rotfäste affects tooth stability and mobility; diseases such as periodontitis can compromise it, while orthodontic forces and restorative procedures aim to preserve or restore it. In recent dental practice, implants replace a natural root and create a new rotfäste through osseointegration, providing stability for loading and function.

In plant science, rotfäste describes the anchorage of plant roots in soil or rock, providing stability against wind, erosion, and gravitational forces. Root system architecture, soil properties, moisture, and nutrient status influence rotfäste. It is commonly assessed with mechanical tests such as pull-out or shear tests and is a key factor in crop resilience, soil-structure interactions, and slope stabilization in engineering applications.

Overall, rotfäste denotes the essential fixation that allows a root—whether tooth or plant root—to remain securely anchored in its surrounding medium. Understanding its strength and limitations informs clinical prognosis in dentistry and management of plant performance and soil stability in agriculture and engineering.