What happens when nerves in the periodontal ligament are damaged?

When nerves in the periodontal ligament are damaged, the primary consequence is the loss of tactile sensation. The periodontal ligament contains sensory nerve fibers that provide crucial feedback regarding the position and movement of teeth, helping animals sense pressure and position during activities like chewing. Damage to these nerves impairs the ability to feel these sensations, which can lead to issues in the normal function of the teeth and surrounding structures.

The other choices, while they might seem plausible, do not accurately represent the outcomes of nerve damage in the periodontal ligament. Increased bone density does not occur as a result of nerve damage; instead, the lack of sensory feedback may actually contribute to reduced bone health over time. Growth of new teeth is not a consequence of nerve damage; rather, it is a biological process that is independent of the condition of the periodontal nerves. Additionally, improved tooth stability would not result from nerve damage; instead, compromised nerve function could result in a destabilized tooth due to improper response to pressures experienced during normal activities.