Cementum

Cementum is one of the four component parts of the tooth, along with dentin, enamel and pulp. Cementum is a calcified substance that is designed to protect the root and anchor the tooth to the jaw by connecting the tooth to the periodontal ligaments. Cementum is attached to the dentin and is composed of non-organic (65%) and organic (23%) products and water (12%). It is bone-like in appearance. Cementum is softer and slightly more permeable than dentin and is therefore more likely to deteriorate if the root becomes exposed. There are three types of cementum, as outlined below.

Acellular cementum

Acellular cementum, so called because it lacks any cellular components, covers roughly a third of the tooth root. Acellular cementum meets the enamel at the cemento-enamel junction.

Cellular cementum

Cellular cementum is composed of cellular structures and covers roughly a third of the root tip area. It is slightly more permeable than the other types of cementum.

Afibrillar cementum

Afibrillar cementum occasionally extends up to join the enamel at the cemento-enamel junction.

As well as acting as an anchor for the teeth, cementum is also an important part of the tooth regeneration process. In addition to this, cementum can also be important in achieving a good occlusion or bite; cementum deposits are continuous throughout human life and if there are problems relating to the bite, more cementum is deposited in order to lift the tooth; this produces a better bite.

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