Cementoenamel Junction
Also written as: CEJ — Cementoenamel Junction
The anatomical boundary where the tooth's enamel crown meets the root cementum, used as a stable reference point in periodontal measurements.
Full Definition
The cementoenamel junction (CEJ) is a fixed anatomical landmark on the tooth surface where crown enamel terminates and root cementum begins. In periodontal research, the CEJ serves as the reference point from which clinical attachment level (CAL) is measured, distinguishing it from the gingival margin used for probing pocket depth. Radiographically, the CEJ is used as a reference to calculate bone loss. Editors should confirm that the abbreviation 'CEJ' is defined on first use and that measurement descriptions consistently reference either the gingival margin or the CEJ, never conflating the two. In manuscripts covering multiple tooth types, authors should note that the CEJ morphology varies between anterior and posterior teeth.
Usage
Usage note: Ensure 'CEJ' is not confused with 'gingival margin' in measurement descriptions; they are different reference points with different clinical implications.
In Context
- "Clinical attachment level was measured from the cementoenamel junction to the base of the pocket using a UNC-15 probe." — Periodontal clinical study methods
- "The radiographic bone level was calculated as the distance from the CEJ to the most coronal bone contact, as described in the analysis plan." — Radiographic assessment protocol