Cementum Flashcards
What are the different types of cementum?
Acellular extrinsic fibre cementum
Cellular intrinsic fibre cementum
Cellular mixed stratified cementum
What is the average thickness of cementum?
0.05 to 0.6mm
What are the different relationships between the apical enamel border and the cementum? What is the most common?
Butt joint
Separated by a gap of exposed dentine
Cementum overlaps enamel - this is the most common
Why is cementum different to bone?
It is avascular, so does not undergo dynamic remodelling and increases thickness throughout life
What is the function of cementum?
Tooth support or tooth anchorage to the adjacent alveolar bone via the periodontal ligament
What is the location and function of the different types of cementum?
Acellular extrinsic fibre cementum: tooth anchorage, generally covers the cervical root surface
Cellular intrinsic fibre cementum: adaption and reparative, found at sites undergoing repair
Cellular mixed stratified cementum: interradicular and apical regions
Why does cellular intrinsic fibre cementum not contribute to anchorage?
Because it lacks sharpeys fibres
What are enamel pearls? Why are they disadvantageous?
Localised masses of enamel
Contribute to retention of bacterial biofilms
What is the treatment for enamel pearls?
Grounding off to restore normal tooth contour
What is hypercementosis? Why is it problematic?
Large cementum deposits on apical third of teeth causing bulbous enlargements
Make XLA difficult
What are cementicles?
Small spherical particles of cementum that may lie free in the PDL or attached to the cementum surface
