Abstract: A pipe gripping element has a T-shaped body including an elongated cross member and a base member extending from the cross member. The cross member includes an upper portion and an opposite lower arcuate portion, and the base member includes an upper portion that is slanted relative to the cross member upper portion to define a fulcrum. An elongated, arcuate tooth extends outwardly from the arcuate portion. A pipe joint restraint includes an annular retainer gland, a plurality of pockets circumferentially spaced around the gland, and a plurality of the pipe gripping elements operably associated therewith for gripping and restraining a pipe.