Histology of cementum Hard

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary functions of cementum in the dental structure?

Anchorage of the teeth (correct)

Protection against oral pathogens

Nutrient absorption for the pulp

Color pigmentation of teeth

Which statement accurately describes the growth characteristics of cementum?

It only repairs itself when damaged by external factors.

It decreases in thickness with aging.

It continues to deposit and increase in hardness. (correct)

It undergoes mineralization but not cellular adaptation.

What is NOT a clinical implication of cementum growth?

Ability to adapt to dental procedures

Changes in cellular composition

Increased susceptibility to caries (correct)

Variation in the cementoenamel junction (CEJ)

Which type of cementum is primarily involved in the repair process following root damage?

Cellular cementum Signup and view all the answers

What changes in composition occur during the continuous growth of cementum?

Increase in hardness and mineral content Signup and view all the answers

What best defines hypercementosis in relation to cementum?

An increase in cementum thickness beyond normal limits Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of cementum in relation to the periodontium?

To support the junction between the tooth root and the alveolar bone Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes acellular cementum?

It is primarily found near the apex of the tooth root Signup and view all the answers

What are the clinical implications of understanding cementum in dental health?

It helps in assessing periodontal diseases and root caries Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cementum is generally found at the apex of the tooth roots?

Cellular cementum Signup and view all the answers

How does the structure of cementum relate to its functions?

Its porous nature allows for nutrient exchange Signup and view all the answers

In the analogy of a tooth and cementum as an ice-cream cone, what does the ice-cream represent?

Dentine Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes cellular cementum from acellular cementum?

Cellular cementum is produced continuously throughout life Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between cementum and periodontal disease?

An alteration in cementum's integrity can contribute to periodontal disease Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the distribution of cementum?

Cellular cementum is more commonly located in apical regions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of cellular cementum?

To enable reshaping of the root Signup and view all the answers

Where is cellular intrinsic fiber cementum predominantly located?

In the apical third of the roots Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is specifically true about cellular mixed stratified cementum?

It contains both intrinsic and extrinsic fibers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about cementocytes is accurate?

They originate from cementoblasts trapped in the matrix. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to cellular cementum over time due to occlusal wear?

It thickens at the apex to compensate. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly identifies a feature of cellular mixed stratified cementum?

It is the predominant form of cellular cementum. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario is cellular intrinsic fiber cementum often absent?

In single-rooted teeth Signup and view all the answers

What role do cementocytes play in the structure of cellular cementum?

They are trapped cementoblasts that maintain cementum. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cementum is primarily responsible for compensating for tooth movement following extractions?

Cellular mixed stratified cementum Signup and view all the answers

What cellular adaptation occurs in reaction to occlusal wear over time?

Deposition of cementum at the apex. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary inorganic component of cementum?

Hydroxyapatite crystal Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical pH at which hydroxyapatite in cementum starts to dissolve?

6.7 Signup and view all the answers

Which type of collagen fibers are primarily found in the organic content of cementum?

Type I Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cementum is characterized by the absence of cells?

Acellular cementum Signup and view all the answers

What type of fibers primarily contribute to the structure of acellular cementum?

Sharpey's fibers Signup and view all the answers

Where is acellular cementum primarily located on the tooth root?

Cervical and middle third Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes secondary cementum in relation to its formation?

It continues to form throughout the lifecycle of cementum. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of non-collagenous matrix proteins in cementum?

Facilitating mineralization Signup and view all the answers

What type of cementum forms first during tooth development?

Primary cementum Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is adjacent to acellular cementum?

Dento-cementum junction (CDJ) Signup and view all the answers

What is the anatomical repair capability of cellular cementum primarily focused on?

Repairing resorbed or fractured root surfaces Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cementum is primarily found towards the cervical region of the roots?

Acellular cementum Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes the variation in the relationship at the cementum-enamel junction among different teeth?

Functional usage of the tooth Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of hypercementosis?

Excessive deposition of cementum towards the apex Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is a potential systemic cause of hypercementosis?

Paget's disease Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical location shows a two-step increase in cementum thickness?

Along the length of the root from the CEJ to the root apex Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of cellular cementum's functional repair is crucial in periodontal disease healing?

Maintaining the width of the periodontal ligament Signup and view all the answers

What explains the difference in cementum thickness between molar and incisor teeth?

Heavier occlusal loads experienced by molar teeth Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the potential asymptomatic nature of hypercementosis?

Slow development of extra cementum deposits Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cementum Composition and Structure

Cementum is a specialized, calcified connective tissue that covers the root of the tooth.
The composition of Cementum is approximately 45-50% hydroxyapatite crystals and 50-55% organic content.
Organic components include collagen fibers (mainly type I), minor quantities of other types III, V, VI, XII, and XIV, non-collagenous matrix proteins and water.
The critical pH for hydroxyapatite crystals in cementum is 6.7, below this pH, these crystals can dissolve.

Two Types of Cementum

Acellular Cementum:
- Also known as primary cementum.
- Covers the cervical and middle third of the root.
- Forms first during tooth eruption and continues after eruption.
- Contains extrinsic collagen fibers and non-collagenous matrix proteins.
- Does not contain cells.
Cellular Cementum:
- Found in the apical third of the roots and inter-radicular regions of posterior teeth.
- Contains cementocytes, cells embedded in the cementum matrix during deposition.
- Can be further categorized into two types:
  - Cellular Intrinsic Fiber Cementum (CIFC): Contains intrinsic fibers that are embedded within the cementum.
  - Cellular Mixed Stratified Cementum (CMSC): A subcategory of CIFC that contains both intrinsic and extrinsic fibers.

Functions of Cementum

Anchorage: Securely attaches the tooth to the alveolar bone through the periodontal ligament.
Support: Provides structural support for the tooth.
Adaption: Allows reshaping of the root to adjust for tooth movement.
Repair: Facilitates repair of resorbed or fractured root surfaces.
Occlusal Wear Compensation: Deposition of cementum at the apex helps maintain occlusion and compensate for wear. This process is more pronounced in posterior teeth due to heavier occlusal loads.

Clinical Significance

Hypercementosis: Excessive deposition of cementum at the apex resulting in thicker roots. Can be caused by local factors (trauma, inflammation), systemic factors (Paget's disease), or unknown causes (idiopathic). May affect single or multiple teeth, and usually asymptomatic. Can complicate tooth extraction.

Cemento-Enamel Junction (CEJ)

The relationship of the CEJ can vary between teeth and even within the same tooth.
The CEJ can be characterized as:
- Overlap: Cementum overlaps enamel. (60-65%)
- Gap: Gap between cementum and enamel. (10%)
- Meet: Cementum and enamel meet. (25-30%)

Cementogenesis

Cementum formation (cementogenesis) is a continuous process throughout life.
The thickness, hardness, and mineral content of cementum increase with age.

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Description

Explore the fascinating composition and structure of cementum, a connective tissue that covers the roots of teeth. Learn about the two main types: acellular and cellular cementum, and their unique characteristics. This quiz delves into the essential elements and functions of this important dental tissue.