| Cementicle | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Dentistry |
A cementicle is a small, spherical or ovoid calcified mass embedded within or attached to the cementum layer on the root surface of a tooth, or lying free within the periodontal ligament.12 They tend to occur in senior population.34
- Free cementicle – not attached to cementum5
- Attached (sessile) cementicle – attached to the cementum surface5 (also termed exocementosis)3
- Embedded (interstitial) cementicle – with advancing age the cementum thickens,3 and the cementicle may become incorporated into the cementum layer5
They may be visible on a radiograph (x-ray).2 They may appear singly or in groups,1 and are most commonly found at the tip of the root.6 Their size is variable,5 but generally they are small (about 0.2 mm6 – 0.3 mm in diameter).5
Cementicles are usually acellular, and may contain either fibrillar or afibrillar cementum, or a mixture of both.5 Cementicles are the result of dystrophic calcification,5 but the reason why this takes place is unclear.3 Cementicles are thought to form when calcification occurs around a nidus, a precipitating center. Around this nidus they slowly enlarge by further deposition of calcium salts.5 Examples of how cementicles are thought to form include:
- Calcification due to degenerative changes in the epithelial cell rests of Malassez5
- Calcification of thrombosed (blocked) capillaries in the periodontal ligament5 (i.e. a phlebolith)6
- Microtrauma to Sharpey's fibres2 causes small spicules of cementum or alveolar bone to splinter into the periodontal membrane4 Some do not consider these as true cementicles.5
References
References
- Chiego Jr. DJ (14 April 2014). Essentials of Oral Histology and Embryology: A Clinical Approach. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 133. ISBN 978-0-323-29100-2.
- Fehrenbach MJ; Popowics T. Illustrated Dental Embryology, Histology, and Anatomy (2026 ed.). Elsevier. p. 196. ISBN 9780443104244.
- Kumar GS (10 February 2014). Orban's Oral Histology & Embryology. Elsevier Health Sciences APAC. p. 196. ISBN 978-81-312-3801-1.
- Mosby (1 August 2013). Mosby's Dental Dictionary. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 115. ISBN 978-0-323-10013-7.
- Ghom A; Mhaske S (17 September 2010). Textbook of Oral Pathology. Jaypee Brothers Publishers. p. 122. ISBN 978-81-8448-402-1.
- Chatterjee K (1 December 2006). Essentials of Oral Histology. Jaypee Brothers Publishers. p. 112. ISBN 978-81-8061-865-9.