Cementoenamel Junction
Pronunciation: see-MEN-toe-ih-NAM-el JUNKshun
Also written as: CEJ — Cementoenamel Junction
The anatomical boundary on the tooth surface where the enamel of the crown meets the cementum of the root.
Full Definition
The cementoenamel junction (CEJ) is the clinically and radiographically significant anatomical landmark at which tooth enamel and root cementum meet. It serves as the reference point from which periodontal attachment loss and gingival recession are measured. The CEJ may be slightly supragingival, at the gingival margin, or covered by gingival tissue depending on the patient's periodontal status. Its precise identification is critical for accurate charting. Editors should ensure the term is hyphenated correctly and that the acronym CEJ is expanded on first use in clinical and academic documents.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate: 'cementoenamel junction'. The acronym CEJ should be expanded on first use. Do not confuse with the alveolar crest, which is a bony landmark.
In Context
- "Attachment loss was calculated by measuring from the cementoenamel junction to the base of the periodontal pocket." — Periodontal assessment report
- "The CEJ was not visible on the radiograph due to overlapping crestal bone." — Radiographic interpretation note