Dental Cementum
Pronunciation: sih-MEN-tum
The mineralised connective tissue covering the root surface of a tooth, serving as the attachment site for principal periodontal ligament fibres.
Full Definition
Dental cementum is a specialised, avascular, mineralised connective tissue that envelops the dentine of the tooth root from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the root apex. It provides the anchor point for Sharpey's fibres — the principal fibres of the periodontal ligament — thereby suspending the tooth within its alveolar socket. Two main types are recognised: acellular (primary) cementum, covering the coronal two-thirds of the root, and cellular (secondary) cementum, found near the apex. Loss of cementum through scaling or root planing, abrasion, or resorption is clinically significant and should be distinguished from dentine exposure in editorial contexts. Note that 'cementum' already appears in the existing database; this entry is for the full form 'dental cementum' only if distinct context is required.
Usage
Usage note: In most clinical texts, 'cementum' alone is preferred; 'dental cementum' is used when disambiguation from other cementum references is needed.
In Context
- "Hypercementosis was noted radiographically as bulbous thickening of the dental cementum at the root apex." — Oral radiology report
- "Root planing aims to remove contaminated dental cementum and smooth the root surface to promote periodontal re-attachment." — Periodontics clinical guidelines