D514 Oral Histology Lecture 9: Cementum
Questions with Complete Solutions
What does cementum cover?
anatomic root of the tooth
What does the cementum attach?
part of the periodontum that attaches teeth to alveolar bone by anchoring the
periodontal ligament
What is periodontum?
-peri = around; odont = tooth
-specialized tissues that surround and support tooth
-includes gingiva, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone
type of tissue of cementum
mineralized connective tissue (same as dentin)
color of cementum
pale yellow with dull surface
hardness of cementum compared to enamel and dentin
less hard than both enamel and dentin
Does cementum have vasculature and nerves?
avascular and no nerve supply
Can cementum be deposited after tooth eruption?
, Yes, can be deposited even after tooth eruption.
thickness of cementum at CEJ, mid root, and apex
-thinnest at CEJ - 30-50 μm
-Increases mid root –50-90 μm
-Thickest at apex and near furcation of multi-rooted teeth - 150-300 μm
How does thickness of cementum change with age?
Thickness increases with age (lose enamel from wear so cementum gets deposited in
periapical area)
thickness of mesial vs distal side of cementum
More on the distal side than mesial side
inorganic and organic component of mature cementum
inorganic (mineralized): 65% or 45-50%, calcium phosphate in form of hydroxyapatite
organic (protein): 35% or 50-55%, collagen (90% type 1), dentin sialoprotein, bone
sialoprotein, alkaline phosphatase
function of cementum
-anchorage of tooth by attaching PDL fibers to tooth root
-cover and protect root dentin (help w/ sensitivity)
-compensate for occlusal wear by continuous deposition of cementum in apex of
supraerupted tooth (via cementoblasts, helps maintain occlusion for masticatory forces)
When does cementogenesis begin?
cementum formation begins after the crown is completed (and after dentin is formed)
Questions with Complete Solutions
What does cementum cover?
anatomic root of the tooth
What does the cementum attach?
part of the periodontum that attaches teeth to alveolar bone by anchoring the
periodontal ligament
What is periodontum?
-peri = around; odont = tooth
-specialized tissues that surround and support tooth
-includes gingiva, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone
type of tissue of cementum
mineralized connective tissue (same as dentin)
color of cementum
pale yellow with dull surface
hardness of cementum compared to enamel and dentin
less hard than both enamel and dentin
Does cementum have vasculature and nerves?
avascular and no nerve supply
Can cementum be deposited after tooth eruption?
, Yes, can be deposited even after tooth eruption.
thickness of cementum at CEJ, mid root, and apex
-thinnest at CEJ - 30-50 μm
-Increases mid root –50-90 μm
-Thickest at apex and near furcation of multi-rooted teeth - 150-300 μm
How does thickness of cementum change with age?
Thickness increases with age (lose enamel from wear so cementum gets deposited in
periapical area)
thickness of mesial vs distal side of cementum
More on the distal side than mesial side
inorganic and organic component of mature cementum
inorganic (mineralized): 65% or 45-50%, calcium phosphate in form of hydroxyapatite
organic (protein): 35% or 50-55%, collagen (90% type 1), dentin sialoprotein, bone
sialoprotein, alkaline phosphatase
function of cementum
-anchorage of tooth by attaching PDL fibers to tooth root
-cover and protect root dentin (help w/ sensitivity)
-compensate for occlusal wear by continuous deposition of cementum in apex of
supraerupted tooth (via cementoblasts, helps maintain occlusion for masticatory forces)
When does cementogenesis begin?
cementum formation begins after the crown is completed (and after dentin is formed)
