Cementum is the calcified tissue covering the roots of teeth. It has both acellular and cellular varieties. Acellular cementum lacks cementocytes and is laid down slowly with closely spaced incremental lines. Cellular cementum contains cementocytes within lacunae and canaliculi and is deposited more rapidly with wider spaced lines. Cementum is produced by cementoblasts, which are derived from the dental follicle or Hertwig's epithelial root sheath. Cementoblasts secrete cementum, while cementocytes are embedded within it and cementoclasts resorb it. Cementum provides anchorage for periodontal ligament fibers and adapts the tooth for function.

1. Dr. Ishu Singla
M.D.S. Student

2. CONTENTS
• INTRODUCTION
• DEFINITION
• PROPERTIES
• BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION
• CLASSIFICATION OF CEMENTUM
• TYPES OF CEMENTUM
• CELLS OF CEMENTUM
• CEMENTOGENESIS
• DEVELOPMENT OF CEMENTUM
• CEMENTOENAMEL JUNCTION
• CEMENTODENTINAL JUNCTION
• FUNCTIONS
• AGE CHANGES
• RESORPTION & REPAIR
• CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS
• CONCLUSION
• REFERENCES

3. INTRODUCTION
The Periodontium consists of the
investing layer and supporting tissues of
the tooth: gingiva, periodontal
ligament(PDL), cementum and alveolar
bone.
Divided into 2 parts:
• Gingiva : protects the underlying
tissues
• Attachment apparatus : composed of
PDL, cementum and alveolar bone
Cementum is considered a part of the
periodontium because, with the bone it
supports fibres of PDL.

4. • Cementum – origin from latin word
“caementum” quarried stone i.e. chips of stone
used in making mortar.
• Least understood of all dental hard tissues.
• First described in 1835 yet poorly defined at the
cellular and molecular level.
(Saygin et al,2000)

5. • Cementum was 1st demonstrated in
1835 by 2 pupils of Purkinje.
• It begins at the cervical portion of
tooth at cemento –enamel junction
and continues to the apex.

6. DEFINITIONS
• A thin layer of calcified tissue covering dentin of root.
(Berkowitz BKB,Holland GR and Moxham )
• Cementum is the mineralized dental tissue covering the
anatomic roots of human teeth.
(Armitage,1977)
• Cementum is the calcified, avascular mesenchymal
tissue that forms the outer covering of the anatomic
root. (Carranza, Newman, Takei & Klokkevold)

7. COMPARISON OF DENTAL
HARD TISSUES
ENAMEL DENTIN CEMENTUM ALVEOLAR
BONE
•Embryological
background
Enamel organ Dental papilla Dental papilla Mesoderm
•Type of tissue Epithelial Connective
tissue
Connective
tissue
Connective
tissue
•Formative
cells
Ameloblasts Odontoblasts Cementoblasts Osteoblasts
•Incremental
lines
Lines of
Retzius
Imbrication
lines of von
Ebner
Arrest & reversal
lines
Arrest &
reversal lines
•Mature cells None (lost with
eruption)
only Dentinal
tubules with
processes
Cementocytes Osteocytes
•Resorptive
cells
Odontoclasts Odontoclasts Odontoclasts Osteoclasts
7

8. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CEMENTUM
(Berkowitz et al, 2002)
• Pale yellow with a dull surface
• Softer than dentine
(Selvig and Selvig,1962)
• Permeability
• cellular variety more permeable as the canaliculi in
some areas are contiguous with the dentinal tubuli.
• decreases with age
• Soft and thin cervically – readily removed by abrasion

9. THICKNESS OF CEMENTUM
• Varies at different levels of the root
• Thickest at the root apex and
interradicular areas of multirooted
teeth – 50-200µm (may exceed to
600µm)
• Thinnest cervically – 10-15µm
• Between ages 11 and 70 – thickness
increases 3 fold – 95µm at 20yrs and
215µm at 60yrs.
(Zander HA,Hurzeler B,1958)

10. • Thickest on distal side than on mesial due to
mesial drift.
(Rose Dastmalchi et al,1990)
• Cementum is thicker in areas exposed to
tensional forces.
(Schroeder,1991)

11. BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF CEMENTUM
( Bosshardt and Selvig,1997)
WEIGHT
ORGANIC
INORGANIC
WATER
65 %
VOLUME
23 %
22 %
12 %
33 %
45 %

12. INORGANIC COMPONENT OF CEMENTUM
• Ca & P- Hydroxyapatite crystal
• F- highest of all mineralised tissue
• Mg- 0.5%-0.9%
• S-0.1-0.3% (Bosshardt D,1997)
• Cu, Zn, Na- trace amounts

13. COMPARISON OF DENTAL HARD
TISSUES
ENAMEL DENTIN CEMENTUM ALVEOLAR
BONE
•Mineral levels 96% 70% 65% 60%
•Organic &
water levels
1% & 3%
respectively
20.5 & 10%
respectively
23% & 12%
respectively
25% & 15%
respectively
•Tissue
formation
after eruption
None Possible Possible Possible
•Vascularity None None None Present
•Innervation None Present None Present
13

14. NON COLLAGENOUS
COMPONENT
• glycoproteins
• proteoglycans
• phosphoprotein
(Bronckers et al,1994;MacNeil
and Somerman,1993;MacNeil et
al,1995;McKee et al 1996)
ORGANIC COMPONENT
• Type I-major(90%)
(Birkedal-Hansen et al,1977)
• Type III
(Rao LG,Wang HM, Kalliecharan R, et
al;1979)
•Type XIV
(Becker et al, Romanos et al,1991)
•Traces of type V, type VI ,typeXII
( Nanci A.,Bosshardt D. ,2006)
COLLAGEN

15. • Non-collagenous proteins are similar to that of bone
(Bosshardt 2005)
• Bone sialoprotein (typeII)and osteopontin(typeI) – both are
phosphorylated and sulfated glycoproteins
• Bind tightly to collagenous matrices and hydroxyapatite
• Participate in mineralization process
(Bronckers et al 1994;Chen et al1992;MacNeil et al;McKee et al 1996)
• Acellular cementum contains much more of these than
cellular cementum

16. Osteonectin – another glycosylated protein
• Found in extracellular matrix of mineralized
tissue.
• Close relation between osteonectin and
collagen seems to exist in mineralization
process.

17. • Glycoproteins – fibronectin and tenascin – more widely
distributed
• High molecular weight and multifunctional proteins of the
extracellular matrix
• Fibronectin binds cells to components of extracellular matrix
• During tooth development, both are present in the basement
membrane of HERS at the time of odontoblast differentiation
• Later, they are also found at the attachment site of PDL to
cementum but not in the cementum layer itself
(Lukinmaa et al 1991)
•Keratin sulfate :lumican,fibroglycan (precementum)
(Chenget al 1996)

18. • Enzyme alkaline phosphatase believed to participate in
cementum mineralization (Beertsen and Everts, 1990)
• Enzyme activity adjacent to cellular intrinsic fiber cementum is
higher than that to acellular extrinsic fiber cementum and
thickness of the latter correlates positively with the enzyme
activity (Groeneveld et al, 1995)
• Cementum derived growth factor- Insulin like growth
factor(IGF)- like molecule that enhances proliferation of
gingival fibroblasts and PDL(Cho and garant 1988’1996)
• Cementum attachment protein (CAP)
• Enamel derived protein-amelogenin,ameloblastin,enamelin
• Glycosoaminoglycans-halyuronan, dermatin and
chondroitin sulfate(Bartold et al 1998)

19. CLASSIFICATION OF CEMENTUM
According to Gottleib (1942):
19
ACELLULAR
CEMENTUM
(Primary
/prefunctional/coronal)
CELLULAR
CEMENTUM
(Secondary
/functional/radicular)
A B

20. • These lines contain higher content of ground substance and
mineral and lower content of collagen.
• As acellular cementum is formed slowly, the incremental lines
are closer together than that of cellular cementum which is
deposited more rapidly.
• Known as “INCREMENTAL LINES OF SALTER”

21. ACELLULAR CEMENTUM CELLULAR CEMENTUM
First layer of cementum deposited •Formed after acellular layer
No cells •Lacunae & canaliculi containing
Cementocytes & their processes
Sharpey’s fibers make up the bulk; are
completely calcified
•Sharpey’s fibers occupy a smaller
portion; are partially or completely
calcified
At least 1 layer over all of the root, with
many layers near cervical 1/3rd
•Layered over acellular mainly in apical
1/3rd , especially interradicular region.
Formed at a slower rate •Formed at a faster rate
Precementum layer virtually absent •Precementum layer present
Border with dentin not clearly
demarcated
•Clearly demarcated
Incremental lines relatively close
together
•Relatively wide apart
21

22. Cellular cementum(B) overlying acellular(A),
vice a versa or alternate

23. • The Sharpey's fibers constitute the extrinsicfiber system (E) of the
cementum and are produced by fibroblasts in the periodontal
ligament.
• The intrinsic fiber system (I) is produced by cementoblasts and is
composed of fibers oriented more or less parallel to the root.
E
I I

24. TYPES OF CEMENTUM
According to Schroeder (1986, 1991)
24
ACELLULAR
AFIBRILLAR
CEMENTUM
ACELLULAR
EXTINSIC FIBER
CEMENTUM
CELLULAR MIXED
STRATIFIED
CEMENTUM
CELLULAR
INTRINSIC FIBER
CEMENTUM

25. 1.Acellular afibrillar
cementum
2.Acellular extrinsic fiber
cementum
3.Cellular intrinsic fiber
cementum
4.Cellular stratified mixed
cementum

26. CEMENTUM
TYPE
PRODUCED BY ORIGIN OF
FIBRES
LOCATION FUNCTION
•Acellular
afibrillar (1- 15
μm)
Cementoblasts - Spurs & patches
over enamel &
dentin along the
CEJ
No known
function
•Acellular
extrinsic fibre
(30- 230 μm)
Fibroblasts &
cementoblasts
Extrinsic fibres From cervical
margin to apical
third
Anchorage
•Cellular mixed
stratified (100-
1000 μm)
Fibroblasts &
cementoblasts
Intrinsic &
extrinsic fibres
Apical portion &
furcations
Adaptation
•Cellular
intrinsic fibre
cementum
Cementoblasts Intrinsic fibres Middle to apical
third & furcation
& also fills
resorption
lacunae
Adaptation
& Repair

27. CELLS OF CEMENTUM
• CEMENTOBLASTS
• CEMENTOCYTES
• CEMENTOCLASTS

28. Origin.- 1) Dental follicle cells
2) Hertwig Epithelial Root sheath
Cell organelles- numerous mitochondria, a well-formed
Golgi-apparatus and large amounts of granular
endoplasmic reticulum
Function- protein polysaccharids secretion
CEMENTOBLASTS

29. •E- 11 antibody strongly reacts with CIFC forming
cementoblast but not with cementoblasts AEFC,
showing that the cementoblast forming cellular
cementum and acellular cementum are different.
•DENTAL FOLLICLE-CIFC
•HERS-AEFC

30. CEMENTOCYTES
• Cementocytes are found in
cellular cementum. They are
similar to osteocytes.
• They are located within lacunae
and have numerous cytoplasmic
processes coursing in canaliculi
that are preferentially directed
towards the ligament.

31. • Their cytoplasmic volume
and the density of
organelles is markedly
reduced when compared to
cementoblasts.
(The endoplasmic reticulum
appear dilated and
mitochondria are sparse)
• While these cells remain
vital, their metabolic
activity is low.

32. CEMENTOCLASTS
• Cementum resorbing cells.
• Resembles osteoclast.
• Found in normal functioning PDL
• Resorption of cementum can occur under
certain circumstances.
• In these instances mononuclear
cementoclasts or multinucleated giant cells,
located in Howship’s lacunae, are found on
the surface of the cementum.

33. After completion of crown formation , the cells from the inner
and outer enamel epithelium(OEE) form the bilayer of cells
known as Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath(HERS)
The cells of inner enamel epithelium induce adjacent Cells in
the Dental papilla to differentiate into odontoblasts and
subsequently deposit the root dentin
The HERS consists of IEE & OEE disintegrates & Following
the fragmentation of Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath , cells from
the dental follicle attach and align onto the matrix coating the
dentin surface , and these subsequently differentiate into
cementoblast and form the root cementum
CEMENTOGENESIS

34. The fragmented epithelial cells of the Hertwigs,s epithelial root
sheath never completely disappear and persist in small clusters
known as epithelial cell rests of malassez.
Cementum may be deposited on the root surface either during tooth
development, or subsequent to eruption of the tooth during normal
function.

35. CEMENTOGENESIS
1-differentiation of odontoblast 2-fragmentation of HERS and formation ERM
3- differentiation of cementoblast

36. • Prefunctional stage : root development (3.5 - 7.5 year)
• Functional stage : occlusal level
 associated with attachment of root to bone
 continues throughout life - adaptive and reparative processes are
carried out by the biological responsiveness of cementum
 influences the alterations in the distribution and appearance of
the cementum varieties on the root surface with time
STAGES OF CEMENTOGENESIS
(Bosshardt and Selvig,1997)

37. There are several fundamental issues that need to be resolved to
devise targeted therapeutic approaches for the prevention and
treatment of periodontal diseases. These include determining the
following:
Precursors of cementoblasts
Whether cementoblasts are a distinct cell population that
expresses unique gene products
Whether acellular & cellular cementum are distinct tissues
Factors that promote cementoblast differentiation
What regulates the formation & maintainence of PDL v/s
Cementum, thus preventing fusion of root to the alveolar bone
(Ankylosis)

38. ENAMEL ORGAN
Epithelial Root SheathCells
Specific Factors Mesenchymal Cells Apoptosis
Follicle Cell Differentiation
Cementoblasts
Cementoblasts
Induction of Mesenchymal
cells
Cementoblasts
PRECURSORS OF CEMNTOBLAST

39. • These cells play indirect role by producing necessary
signalling molecules for cell recruitment &
differentiation.
Whether cementoblasts are a distinct cell population that
expresses unique gene products
• Bosshardt (2005) proposed a new theory that cells
derived form HERS play an essential role in tissue
development & maintenance & that periodontal
regeneration is possible.
•Bosshardt (2005) supports the concept that
cementoblasts producing both acellular extrinsic
fibre cementum and cellular intrinsic fibre cementum
are unique phenotypes that differ from osteoblasts

40. • A possibility has been raised that acellular extrinsic fibre
cementum is formed by HERS derived cells, whereas, cellular
intrinsic fibre cementum is formed by cells that derive from
dental follicle. (Zeichner etal. 2003)
.
Whether acellular & cellular cementum are distinct tissues

41. ACELLULAR CELLULAR
Identifiable for only a
short time
Identifiable for longer
period
Fibroblast-like
morphology
Osteoblast-like morphology
Derived from
epithelial root sheath
Derived from mesenchyme
Express cytokeratin Do not express cytokeratin
Do not express
osteocalcin
Express osteocalcin
Do not express
receptors for
parathormone,TGF
and IGF
Express receptors for
parathormone,TGF and IGF
Phenotypical differences between cementoblasts
associated with acellular and cellular cementum

42. Morphogenes & Growth factors Suggested Functions related to
CEMENTOGENESIS
Growth factors
•Transforming growth factor (including Bone
morphogenic proteins)
Promotes cell differentiation & subsequently
cementogenesis during development &
regeneration.
•Platelet derived growth factor & insulin like
growth factor
Promotes cementum formation by altering cell
cycle activities.
•Fibroblast growth factor Promotes cell proliferation & migration & also
vasculogenesis – all key events for formation &
regeneration of periodontal tissues.
Adhesion molecules
•Bone Sialoprotein & Osteopontin Promotes adhesion of selected cells to the
newly formed root. Bone sialoprotein may be
involved in promoting mineralization, whereas
Osteopontin may regulate the extent of crystal
growth

43. Morphogenes & Growth
factors
Suggested Functions related to CEMENTOGENESIS
Epithelial / Enamel like factors Epithelial – mesenchymal interactions may be involved
in promoting follicle cells along cementoblast pathway.
Some epithelial molecules may promote periodontal
repair directly or indirectly.
Collagens Type I & III collagens play key roles in regulating
periodontal tissues during development & regeneration.
In addition, type XII may assist in maintaining PDL space
v/s continuous formation of cementum.
Gla proteins
•Matrix Gla protein & Bone Gla
protein (Osteocalcin)
These proteins contain γ-caboxyglutamic acid, hence the
name Gla proteins. Osteocalcin is a marker for cells
associated with mineralisation & is also considered to be
a regulator for crystal growth. Matrix Gla protein
prevents abnormal ectopic calcification.
Key Proteins Prosposed to Regulate Cementogenesis

44. What regulates the formation & maintainence of PDL
v/s Cementum, thus preventing fusion of root to the alveolar
bone (Ankylosis)
 type XII along with typeI may assist in formation of
cementum and maintaining of PDL space thereby
preventing ankylosis .
(Karimbux1995, MacNeil et al,1998)

45. • During root development in human teeth, the first cells that align
along the newly formed, but not yet mineralized mantle dentin
surface, exhibit Fibroblast characteristics.
• These cells deposit collagen within the unmineralized dentin matrix
so that fibrils from both the matrices interdigitate.
• Mineralization of the mantle dentin starts internally and does not
reach surface until blending of collagen fibrils from both the layers
has occurred. It then spreads across into cementum matrix, thereby
establishing dentin-cementum junction.
DEVELOPMENT OF ACELLULAR CEMENTUM

46. • The cells on the root surface continue to deposit collagen so
that fiber fringe lengthens and thickens. At the same time,
they also secrete non- collagenous matrix proteins that fill in
spaces between collagen fibres and regulate mineralization of
the forming cementum layer.
• This activity continue until about 15- 20 μm of cementum has
been formed, the intrinsic fibre fringe becomes connected to
the developing PDL fibre bundles.
• Initial acellular cementum thus consists of a thin
mineralized layer with a short fringe of collagen fibres
implanted perpendicular to the root surface.

47. A-Acellular cementum
B-Hyaline layer of Hopewell-Smith
C-granular layer of Tomes
D-radicular dentin
• Thereafter, acellular cementum formative cells will be
essentially engaged in synthesis of non- collagenous matrix
proteins; collagen fibres that embed in it will be formed by PDL
fibroblasts. .

48. • AEFC – principal tissue of
attachment
• Formation commences shortly
after crown formation is completed
and always before CIFC starts to
form on more apical root portions.
• The cementoblasts begin
differentiation in closest proximity
to the advancing root edge i.e. 20-
30um coronal to the first deposited
dentinal matrix
ACELLULAR EXTRINSIC FIBER CEMENTUM

49. These cells resemble fibroblasts,
and commence to produce and
attach the collagenous cementum
matrix as close as 50 um coronal
to the root edge
Further collagen deposition
results in a complete covering of
the not yet mineralized dentinal
matrix along the next 100 um of
the root surface
About 200 to 300 um coronal
to the advancing root edge, the
initial AEFC matrix is established
on the dentinal matrix

50. AEFC matrix consists of a dense fringe
of short collagenous fibers implanted into
the dentinal matrix and oriented
perpendicular to the root surface
The outwardly progressing
mineralization front in dentin does not
reach the future CDJ until the
collagenous interdigitation of the two
fibril populations is established
Mineralization of the mantle dentin
seems apparently delayed
With the onset of cementum
mineralization, AEFC begins to grow in
thickness slowly and constantly

51. • After atleast half of the root has been formed, cementoblast start
forming a less mineralized variety of cementum that is distinctive
in that its constituent collagen fibrils are produced by the
cementoblasts themselves.
• In all cases, first collagen is deposited onto the unmineralized
dentin surface such that fibrils from the layers intermingle.
• Like acellular cementum, cellular cementum forming
cementoblasts also manufacture a no. of non- collagenous matrix
proteins that fill in spaces between the collagen fibrils, regulate
mineral deposition & impart cohesion to the mineralised layer.
.
DEVELOPMENT OF CELLULAR CEMENTUM

52. • A layer of unmineralised
matrix called Cementoid is
established at the surface of
the mineralised cementum
matrix.
• As the process proceeds,
some cementoblasts become
trapped in the matrix they
form. These are called
Cementocytes .

53. • Initially deposited on root surface
areas where no AEFC has been laid
down on the dentin thus confined to
apical and inter-radicular regions of
tooth
• Also found in resorption lacunae
• Layer of cementoid present
• cementoblasts deposit on organic
matrix which becomes mineralised
CELLULAR INTRINSIC FIBER CEMENTUM

54. • Following loss of
continuity of the HERS,
large basophilic cells are
seen to differentiate from
adjacent cells of the dental
follicle against the surface
of the root dentine – form a
distinct layer of
cementoblasts
• These cementoblasts
possess more cytoplasm
and cytoplasmic processes
than the cells associated
with acellular cementum

55. • These fibers are oriented parallel to root surface
• Due to increased rate of formation, thin unmineralized
precementum layer (about 5 µm thick) will be present on
the surface of cellular cementum
• Precementum is less mineralized than primary cementum
• Basophilia is due to roughened endoplasmic reticulum –
their presence suggests that cementoblasts secrete the
collagen (together with ground substance) that forms the
intrinsic fibers of secondary, cellular cementum

56. CIFC less mineralised than AEFC
due to following reasons:
- heterogenous collagen
organisation
- rapid speed of formation
- presence of cells and lacunae

57. • Not previously classified
• Collagenous matrix of first formed cementum result of
cementoblast activity and elaborated before PDL forms.
• After first 15-20um of intrinsic fibre cementum has formed
the fibrous fringe becomes connected to PDL fibre bundles.
ACELLULAR INTRINSIC FIBER CEMENTUM

58. • Forms bulk of secondary
cementum
• When organisation of PDL takes
place further deposition of
cellular cementum incorporates
PDL fiber bundles creating
CMSC
• Includes cementocytes within
lacunae with canaliculi towards
PDL, its laminated structure and
cementoid
• Cementocyte incorporation
haphazard with cells widely
dispersed.
CELLULAR MIXED STRATIFIED CEMENTUM

59. CELLULAR MIXED STRATIFIED CEMENTUM

60. • Intrinsic fibres uniformly
mineralised whereas extrinsic
fibres variably mineralised with
many having central
unmineralised core
• Layered arrangement of apical
cementum with alternate layers
of AEFC and CIFC
CMSC
CIFC AEFC
(intrinsic part) (extrinsic part)

61. • The areas and location vary from
tooth to tooth and along the CEJ of
the same tooth.
• No role in tooth attachment
• Only mineralised ground substance
present with absence of cells and
collagen fibrils
ACELLULAR AFBRILLAR CEMENTUM
• Considered to be developmental
anomaly due to local disruption of
REE that permits follicular cells to
come in contact with enamel surface

62. CELLULAR AFIBRILLAR CEMENTUM
• Silness et al. (1976) observed mineralized tissue in the
fissures of unerupted human third molars. The tissue had
morphological features characteristic of afibrillar coronal
cementum.
• In addition, lacunae with canaliculi were contained in the
tissue.
• They suggested that the tissue is a cellular, afibrillar variety
of coronal cementum produced by connective tissue cells
which have transformed into cementoblasts after the
disappearance of the reduced enamel epithelium from the
fissures of the unerupted teeth.

63. • Hyaline Layer Of Hopewell
Smith
• Described by Hopewell Smith
in 1903.
• Also called as inner most
cementum layer/ Superficial
layer of root dentin /
intermediate layer.
• An ill-defined zone near the
CDJ, predominantly in the apical
2/3rds of roots of molars &
premolars
INTERMEDIATE CEMENTUM

64. • It appears to contain cellular remnants of Hertwig’s
sheath embedded in calcified ground substance.
(EI Mostehy MR, Stallard RE,1969).
• The collagen within the AEFC layer intermingles with the
dentin matrix, there is no sialoprotein and osteopontin,
and no obvious zone between dentin and cementum
Functions Of Intermediate Cementum –
• As a Permeability Barrier.
• It Is a Precursor For Cementogenesis In Wound
Healing

65. CEMENTOENAMEL JUNCTION(CEJ)
OVERLAP-60%
(Noyes FB,Schour I,Noyes HJ,1938)

66. END-TO-END-30%

67. GAP-10%

68. Teeth Edge to edge
(%)
Cementum
overlap (%)
Dentin
exposure (%)
Incisors/
Canines
58 17 25
Premolars 65 31 04
Molars 46 42 12
DISTRIBUTION OF CEJ
Muller & Van Wyk (1984) showed the distribution of 3 types of CEJ:

69. • According to Schroeder HE & Scherle WF (1988):
• In third molars, cementum overlap occurs in about 50% of the CEJ,
the rest showing either edge-to-edge contact or exposed dentine.
• Dentine exposure occurs more frequently on buccal but also on
distal surfaces, at least in maxillary and mandibular (exclusively on
buccal surfaces) molars.
• The type of cementum which usually overlaps the enamel has
been shown to be the Acellular, afibrillar variety (Schroeder
1986).

70. ENAMELOCEMENTAL JUNCTION
• Neuvald L & Consolaro A (2000) observed a 4th
type of CEJ i.e. cementum overlapped by
enamel, on buccal & lingual side of
specimens in 1.8 % of the specimens
• Enamel overlapping cementum
E-enamel
C- cementum

71. • The terminal apical area of the
cementum where it joins the
internal root canal dentin is known
as the cementodentinal junction.
• The CDJ consists large quantities
of collagen associated with
glycosaminoglycans like
chondrointin sulfate and dermatan
sulfate resulting in increased water
content and contributes to the
stiffness.
• This reduction in its mechanical
property, helps it to redistribute
occlusal loads to the alveolar bone.
CEMENTODENTINAL JUNCTION(CDJ)

72. • In permanent teeth CDJ is
smooth
• Sometimes presence of
intermediate cementum layer
mainly seen in apical 2/3 of
roots of molars and premolars
• Rarely seen in incisors or
deciduous teeth
• Neither resembles cementum nor
dentin

73. • Cemental fibres intermingle with the dentinal fibers at the
CDJ more in cellular cementum than in acellular
cementum.
• This aids in attachment of cementum to the dentin, the
presence of proteoglycans is the major factor for this
attachment.

74. 1.Anchorage
The primary function of cementum is to furnish a medium for
the attachment of collegen fibers that bind the tooth to
alveolar bone.
FUNCTIONS OF CEMENTUM
2. Adaptation
Deposition of cementum in an apical area can compensate for
loss of tooth substance from occlusal wear.
3. Relief from Hypersensitivity
Cementum covers the dentinal surface of root portion of
tooth.
4. Repair
Damage to roots such as fractures and resorptions can be
repaired by the deposition of new cementum.

75. • A linear relationship between the thickness of cementum and
age is seen
 apically > cervically.
 Thick - root grooves and furcation
• Continual reapposition of new layer
 ageing of tooth as an organ
 maintains the attachment complex intact.
• Cellular cementum exhibits degeneration & death of
cementocytes. Empty lacunae are eventually observed
• Permeability of cementum diminishes with age
AGE CHANGES IN CEMENTUM

76. • Physiological root resorption : normal
phenomenon of deciduous teeth during
tooth shedding
• Causes for resorption in permanent teeth-
local like trauma from occlusion,
orthodontic movement, periapical and
periodontal diseases
• systemic diseases like calcium deficiency,
hypothyroidism, hereditary fibrous
osteodystrophy and Paget’s disease or
tumors
• Idiopathic
• Root resorption : A) Internal B) External
RESORPTION OF CEMENTUM

77. • According to degree of persistence
A)Transient
B)Progressive
• Root surface more resistant to resorption than bone
• No. of teeth resorbed and severity of resorption are markedly
increased by orthodontic treatment

78. • Appears microscopically as bay
like concavities in the root
surface
• Multinucleated giant cells and
large mononuclear macrophages
are generally found adjacent to
cementum
• May extend into underlying
dentin
• Not necessarily continuous, may
alternate with periods of repair
and deposition of new
cementum, new cementum is
demarcated from the root by a
deeply staining irregular line -
reversal line

79. • Following detachment of odontoclasts from the root
surface, cementogenic cells repopulate the Howship’s
lacunae and attach the initial repair matrix to a thin
decalcified layer of residual and exposed collagen fibrils
• Basophilic and electron dense reversal line forms at the
fibrillar junction
• Deposited repair matrix resembles cellular intrinsic fiber
cementum
• Cementum repair requires viable connective tissue
• Can occur in devitalized and in vital teeth
REPAIR OF CEMENTUM

80. Repair of cementum , Reversal
Lines in cementum with embedded
cementocytes (white arrows) &
cementoblast on surface of
cementum (dark arrows),
PDL (P) , alveolar bone (B)

81. TYPES OF REPAIR
• ANATOMIC REPAIR
-re-establish the former outline of root
• FUNCTIONAL REPAIR if a thin layer
of cementum is deposited on surface
of deep resorption,the root outline is not
reconstructed and a bay like recess remains
.
• In such areas the periodontal space is
restored to its normal width by formation of
a bony projection, so that a proper functional
relationship will result, the outline
of alveolar bone follows that of the
root surface.

82. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS
• HYPERTROPHY
• HYERPLASIA
• CEMENTICLES
• CONCRESENCE
• ENAMEL PEARL
• CERVICAL ENAMEL PROJECTIONS
• SYSTEMIC DISEASES AND ITS INFLUENCE ON CEMENTUM
• GROWTH FACTOR AND CEMENTOGENESIS

83. • Hypercementosis refers to
increase in growth of Cementum
as a result of increased
functional demand.
• Hence Hypercementosis can be
categorized as Cemental
hypertrophy.
• It is an age-related
phenomenon, and it may
localized to one tooth or affect
the entire dentition.
HYPERCEMENTOSIS

84. • Etiology of hypercementosis
varies and is not completely
understood.
• In teeth without antagonist,
hypercementosis is interpreted
as an effort to keep pace with
excessive tooth eruption.
• In teeth subject to low grade
periapical irritation arising from
pulp disease, it is considered as a
compensation for the destroyed
fibrous attachment of the tooth.
The cemnetum is deposited
adjacent to the inflamed
periapical tissue.

85. Diseases where hypercementosis
can be seen as generalized with
nodular enlargement of the apical
third of the root -
- Pagets disease, (Rushton MA,1938).
-Other systemic disturbances that
may be asssociated are acromegaly,
arthritis, calcinosis, rheumatic fever
and thyroid goiter.
-(Leider AS, Garbarino VE, 1987).

86. • If the overgrowth improves functional qualities of the cementum, it is
termed as cementum hypertrophy
• If the overgrowth occurs in non-functional teeth or if it is not
correlated with increased function, its termed hyperplasia.
• Extensive hyperplasia of cementum is
occasionally associated with
chronic periapical inflammation
• Hyperplasia of cementum in non-functioning
teeth is characterised by a reduction in the
number of Sharpey’s fibers embedded in root
• Spur or prong like extension of cementum
is found in teeth that are exposed to great stress.
• Knob like projections are designated
as excementosis
HYPERPLASIA OF CEMENTUM

87. CEMENTICLES
• Calcified ovoid or round nodule
found in the PDL.
• Single or multiple near the
cemental surface.
• Free in ligament; attached or
embedded in cementum.
• Aging and at sites of trauma.
• Origin: Remnants of Herwig’s
epithelial cell i.e. epithelial cell rests
of Malassez, in the periodontal
ligament.
• These bodies arise by deposition of
calcium salts in the adjacent
surrounding connective tissue

88. • Fusion which occurs after root
formation.
• Teeth are united by cementum only.
• Believed to arise as a result of
traumatic injury or crowding of teeth
resulting into resorption of interdental
bone, so that two roots are in
approximate contact and become fused
by deposition of cementum.
CONCRESENCE

89. Enamel Pearl / Enamel Drop/
Enamel Nodule/ Enameloma
• Hemispheric structures consisting
entirely of enamel or may contain.
dentin and pulp tissue within.
• Project from surface of root, more
in maxillary molars. Common in
CEJ and furcation area
• Believed to arise from localized
bulging of odontoblastic layer –
bulge may provide prolonged
contact between HERS and
developing dentin, triggering
induction of enamel formation.

90. CERVICAL ENAMEL
PROJECTIONS (CEP)
• Occur along surface of dental roots
• Represent dipping of enamel from
CEJ toward the bifurcation of molar
teeth.
• It forms triangular extension of
coronal enamel that develops on
buccal surface of root overlying
bifurcation.
• More in mandibular molars &
maxillary second molars.
CEP
CEP

91. SYSTEMIC DISEASES AND ITS INFLUENCE
ON CEMENTUM (Shafer et al, 2006)
• CLEIDOCRANIAL DYSPLASIA-absensce of cellular
cementum on erupted teeth in both dentition with no
increased thickening of primary acellular
cementum.
• HYPOPHOSPHATASIA- absence of alkaline
phosphatase enzyme, charecterized by absence of
cementum, premature exfoliation(incisors)

92. • HYPERPITUTARISM- hypercementosis due to structural and
Functional demands ,supraeruption of posterior teeth
• HYPOTHYROIDISM- teeth my fail to erupt if developed during
childhood, in adults external resorption of roots may occur
• PAGET’S DISEASE-Loss of lamina dura and root resorption.
Generalized hypercementosis sometimes
• HYPERPARATHYROIDISM- loss of lamina dura around teeth
and root resorption.

93. GROWTH FACTORS AND CEMENTOGENESIS
• growth factors common to both cementum and bone include
members of the TGF-beta superfamily, such as the BMPs, as well
as IGF-I and IGF-II, platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs),
epidermal growth factor (EGF), and the fibroblast growth factors
(FGFs). In addition, cementum-derived growth factor (CGF), an
isoform of IGF-I, appears to be cementum-specific
• Emdogain™ (Strauman AG, Basel, Switzerland), a mixture
of enamel matrix proteins, primarily amelogenins, isolated
from developing porcine teeth, has been approved by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for regeneration
of angular intrabony periodontal defects

94. •Cementum by virtue of its structural and dynamic qualities,
provides tooth attachment and maintenance of occlusal
relationship. These multiple functions are fulfilled by the
biological activity and reactivity of cementoblast, which
deposit two collagen – containing varieties of cementum
with completely different properties.
•The discovery of variety of non collagenous proteins in
cementum has opened a new research area of great
therapeutic potential by virtue of periodontal regenerative
tissue.
CONCLUSION

95. •Bartold and Narayan.Biology of the periodontal
connective tissue ,1988
•Berkowitz BKB ,Holland GR and Moxham BJ.Oral
Anatomy embryology & histology-3rd ed,2002
•Orban cited in Bhaskar’s SN.Oral histology and
embroyology -11th ed,199
•Nanci A.Ten Cate’s Oral Histology -6th ed,2003
•Lindhe J.Clinical periodontology and Implant Dentistry-
4th ed 2003
•Carranza & Newman.Clinical Periodontology-8th,10th ed
REFERENCES

96. • Nazan E.Saygin,William V.Giannobile & Martha
J.Somerman:Molecular & cell biology of Cementum,
Periodontology 2000,Vol 24:73-98,2000
• Bosshardt D.,Selvig K. Dental cementum: the dynamic
tissue covering of the root,Periodontology 2000, Vol 13:41-
75,1997
• Nanci A.,Bosshardt D: Structure of periodontal tissues
in health and disease ,Periodontology 2000,Vol 40;11-
28, 2006:
• Shafer,Hine and Levy.Shafers textbook of oral
pathology 5th ed,1993 & 2006