Tooth root cement: structure and functions

From this article you will learn:

• what is tooth root cement,
• its structure and functions,
• histological preparations.

Dental cement (cementum) is a highly mineralized tissue, reminiscent in its structure of coarse-fiber bone, which covers the root of the tooth (up to its neck) with a thin layer. But unlike bone tissue, root cement is not subject to constant restructuring, it does not have vessels, and its trophism is carried out through the usual diffusion of nutrients dissolved in the main amorphous substance in the periodontal structure.

The main function of cement is to form the ligamentous apparatus of the tooth (periodontal attachment), which holds the tooth in the alveolus, and also contributes to the redistribution of chewing pressure from the tooth to the alveolar bone. Let us recall that periodontal fibers begin to grow simultaneously - both from the side of the root cement and from the side of the compact lamina of the alveoli. Next, with the help of immature collagen (procollagen) in the center of the periodontal fissure, the ends of these fibers are tied together, bundles of fibers are formed.

Tooth root cement: diagram and photo

The cementum layer is present only on human teeth, as well as on the teeth of other mammals. In the area of ​​the tooth neck, the thickness of the cement is less - from 20 to 50 microns, while in the area of ​​the root apex - from 100 to 150 microns. I think you are familiar with the fact that “secondary dentin” is produced by odontoblasts throughout life, and in the same way, constant formation of cement on the root surface occurs throughout life. And therefore, if you live to retirement age, the cement of your teeth will most likely have time to at least triple its thickness (Fig. 3).

Tooth root cement: structure

Cement is close in chemical composition and strength to coarse-fiber bone tissue. Inorganic components in the composition of cement make up approximately 65% ​​- mainly calcium phosphate (in the form of hydroxyapatite crystals or amorphous calcium phosphates) and calcium carbonate. Organic components make up about 23%, and they are almost entirely represented by collagen; plus about 12% water.

Cementum is divided into 2 forms - primary (acellular) and secondary (cellular). A layer of primary cement lines the dentin of the entire surface of the tooth root, and in turn, a layer of secondary cement will be located on top of it. However, this so-called secondary “cellular cement” will no longer cover the entire surface of the root, but only its apical third + in multi-rooted teeth, also the area of ​​bifurcation/trifurcation of the roots (Fig. 4).

Cement layers (electron microscopy) –

Cellular and acellular cementum (histology) –

1) Primary (acellular) cement –

Primary cement covers the entire tooth root. It does not contain cells, and consists only of calcified intercellular substance, which includes collagen fibers and the main amorphous “gluing” substance. The collagen fibers of this cement layer are characterized by uniform mineralization, and some of them have a longitudinal direction - in relation to the root surface, and some - a perpendicular (radial) direction. The latter are called "Sharpey's fibers", and they are very important for fixing the tooth in the alveolus.

2) Secondary (cellular) cement –

Secondary cement is formed after tooth eruption, and it no longer covers the entire surface of the root, but only its apical third + the area of ​​furcations of multi-rooted teeth. It can be placed either on top of the primary cementum or directly adjacent to the root dentin. Secondary cement consists mainly of cells (cementocytes and cementoblasts), as well as intercellular substance, which in turn consists of the main amorphous substance and randomly directed collagen fibers.

• Cementocytes (Fig. 5-6) - lie on the surface of the cement in special lacunae (cavities) and in their structure they are very similar to cementocytes of bone tissue. Cementocytes have long processes, and where the cellular cement is directly adjacent to the surface of dentin, the processes of cementocytes can directly contact the dentinal tubules. When new layers of cement are formed, the cementocytes of the inner layers gradually die, forming empty lacunae in the cement.

• Cementoblasts - these cells are “cement builders”, i.e. ensure the deposition of more and more of its layers. The deposition of cement by cementoblasts occurs throughout a person’s life, and therefore the thickness of cement in the area of ​​the root apices increases several times towards the end of life.

Cementocytes in secondary cementum (histology) –

Fig. 6 (designations), where 1 – cementocyte, 2 – dentinal tubules, 3 – contacts of cementocyte processes with dentinal tubules.

3) Collagen fibers –

The most important part of the collagen fibers of cement are the so-called “Sharpey fibers”. They are the terminal sections of the fibers of the periodontal attachment of the tooth on the cementum side. In Fig. 7 you can see a histological specimen, which shows that the radial collagen fibers of the periodontal fissure and cementum of the tooth root are “a single whole.”

Connection of periodontium and cementum of the tooth root –

Previously, it was believed that the radial fibers of the periodontium (which on one side are fixed to the compact lamina of the alveoli, and on the other to the root cement) were a single whole. But modern research shows that this is not entirely true. The terminal sections of the dento-alveolar fibers of the periodontium begin to form separately from each other: one part - from the side of the cement of the tooth root, and the other part - from the side of the alveolar bone plate.

And when both parts of the fibers reach the middle of the periodontal fissure, they are connected through immature collagen fibers (procollagen fibers) into a single network. The plexus of immature collagen fibers in the center of the periodontal fissure is called the “Siecher plexus” (24stoma.ru).

Summary:

Dental cement: histology

Below in video 1 you can see the histology of tooth tissue in stunning resolution. Video 2 is the best lecture on cement histology you can hear. The video is in English, but if you wish, you can turn on subtitles, and then select translation from English into Russian in the settings.

TOOTH PULP

There is a cavity inside the tooth that resembles the shape of a crown, and at the root of the tooth it continues in the form of a canal. The root canal ends at the apex of the tooth root with an opening. The tooth cavity is filled with loose connective tissue, rich in blood vessels and nerves - pulp. The dental pulp is divided into crown and root parts. The pulp of the tooth crown is represented by loose connective tissue with a delicate network of collagen and precollagen fibers with a large number of cellular elements. In the tooth root pulp, collagen structures are denser, thicker and oriented longitudinally along the neurovascular bundle.

Based on the cellular composition of the pulp, they are divided into: peripheral, subodontoblastic and central layers.

The peripheral layer consists of specialized cells - odontoblasts, which take part in the metabolic processes of enamel and dentin. They are located in several rows.

The odontolast has an elongated pear-shaped shape. It has a peripheral protoplasmic process (or dentine), which runs in the dentinal tubule to the dentinoenamel junction, and short lateral processes that anastomose with neighboring cells in the early stages of differentiation.

The subodontoblastic and central layers consist of small, poorly differentiated stellate cells connected to each other by short processes. The pulp contains many fibroblasts that participate in the formation of a fibrous capsule that limits the focus of inflammation.

In the central layers there are cytoplasmic cells - histiocytes. During inflammation, they acquire the ability to move and phagocytose and are called macrophages.

The blood supply to the pulp is provided by blood vessels that penetrate into it through the opening of the apex of the tooth root and through additional canals from the periodontium. The lymphatic system in the pulp is presented in the form of slits, capillaries, and vessels. The outflow of lymph from the pulp occurs in the submandibular and mental lymph nodes. Arterial trunks accompany veins. The pulp vessels have numerous anastomoses. Through the apical foramen, sensitive pulpy and non-pulse fibers of the trigeminal nerve pass, which innervate the pulp, forming plexuses.

The dental pulp has a trophic, protective and plastic function. The trophic function is carried out due to the developed network of blood and lymphatic vessels; protective - due to histiocytes, plasma cells; plastic is the participation of the pulp in the formation of dentin.

The bulk of the tooth is dentin, which surrounds the tooth cavity. In the area of ​​the tooth crown, dentin is covered with bright white enamel. The dentin of the root is covered with cement.

Topography of cement in the area of ​​the tooth neck –

There are 3 options for connecting cement and tooth enamel. It can be either “joint to joint”, or the cement may extend slightly onto the enamel, or there may be a strip of exposed dentin (Fig. 8). Studies have shown that enamel and cement border “joint to joint” - only in 30% of cases. At the same time, 60% of teeth have a layer of cement on the edge of the tooth enamel (Fig. 9), and a strip of exposed dentin is found in 10% of cases.

Variants of the enamel-cementum boundary (scheme and histology) –

Fig. 8, where 1 – enamel, 2 – dentin, 3 – cement, and options for joining enamel and cement (I – cement partially touches the tooth enamel; II – cement joins the enamel, III – cement does not reach the tooth enamel).

What other problems are associated with dental cement?

In addition to the loss of cementum, which can be the result of periodontitis and at the same time cause tooth sensitivity, there are several other dental problems directly related to the condition of this tissue.

Cementoblastoma

This long word refers to a rare benign tumor on the root of a tooth. It occurs when specific cells, cementoblasts, grow in the area of ​​the root apex. Typically, cementoblastoma affects one tooth root, but sometimes it can develop on several roots and spread to the surrounding bone. The growth of cementoblastoma is sometimes accompanied by dull pain, but often the disease is asymptomatic. Being a benign tumor, cementoblastoma, however, is constantly increasing in size; Over time, it can begin to interfere with the normal functioning of the teeth and affect the patient's appearance.

Adolescents and young adults under 30 years of age are at higher risk of developing cementoblastomas. Treatment of cementoblastoma involves surgical removal of the tumor and the affected tooth, which most often turns out to be a premolar or molar of the lower jaw. Sometimes several teeth have to be removed. Although tooth extraction is by no means the optimal solution, the risk of tumor regrowth makes it necessary. Although cementoblastoma is a rare condition, it is best to make sure that pain or strange thickening in the area of ​​the tooth roots is not associated with it. To do this, you should contact your dentist.

Exposure of the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ)

The cemento-enamel junction is a special zone around the perimeter of the tooth where the enamel covering the crown meets the cement protecting the root. In most cases, the cement partially extends onto the enamel, covering it, but in some people there is a thin strip of unprotected dentin between the hard enamel and the less mineralized cement.

sensitivity to cold and hot foods may occur The exposure of the CEJ is associated with recession, that is, drooping of the gums.

To confirm that the sensitivity is caused by gum recession, the dentist will need to measure how much the gums have receded. To do this, use a special tool, a periodontal probe, which the dentist inserts between the gum and tooth. This examination will determine whether the periodontal ligament is in good condition or whether there is a risk of infection, inflammation and further gum recession.

Hypercementosis

Hypercementosis is the process of formation of an excessively thick cement layer on the roots of teeth. Local thickening of the cement leads to a change in the size and shape of the root, which in some cases even begins to interfere with neighboring teeth.

Although the exact causes of hypercementosis are unknown, dentists typically diagnose it in patients with certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acromegaly, and Paget's disease. Researchers have also associated hypercementosis with vitamin A deficiency. Hypercementosis also occurs in patients with periodontal disease or dental trauma caused by occlusal disorders. For the most part, hypercementosis occurs in adults, and the risk of developing it increases with age.

That's how many new words you learned today! Of course, this amount of information is difficult to digest at once, but understanding the important role of cement will help you take a more responsible approach to protecting your teeth. Start with proper oral care to avoid lost or damaged cementum. By regularly brushing your teeth and using dental floss, an interdental brush or irrigator, and an antiseptic mouthwash, you can maintain the health of your teeth and all their tissues.

Functions of tooth root cement –

1) Protective function – the content of inorganic components in cement reaches 70%, which makes it resistant to mechanical loads. Consequently, one of its functions will be to protect root dentin from damaging effects.

2) Participation in the formation of periodontium - the formation of periodontal fibers occurs simultaneously both from the cementum of the tooth root and from the bone plate of the alveoli. According to a number of authors, these collagen fibers are subsequently intertwined with each other through immature collagen (procollagen), turning them into a single whole. The depth of immersion of periodontal fibers into the cement of the tooth root is from 3 to 5 μ.t.

3) Fixing (retaining) - cement of the tooth root together with the compact plate of the alveolus and periodontal fibers - ensures fixation of the tooth in the alveolus.

4) Compensatory function - when the length of the tooth decreases as a result of physiological abrasion of the enamel, increased production of cement occurs in the area of ​​the apex of the tooth root. As a result, the tooth is pushed out of the alveoli into the oral cavity, and thus the size of the clinical crown of the tooth increases. This becomes especially noticeable in elderly patients.

5) Participation in reparative processes - for example, when the cause of root resorption is eliminated, its partial restoration may occur. Or, if there is a crack in the tooth root, cement may form between the fragments, which can lead to the elimination of the defect.

Definition

Dental cement is a special bone tissue that completely covers the root, close to the tooth enamel. Thanks to cement, the tooth is firmly attached to the bone alveolus and does not fall out of the gums. Without such a protective coating, the root dentin would be exposed to pathogenic bacteria, causing the tooth to continually deteriorate from the inside.

Kinds:

• primary or acellular, which covers the lateral surfaces of the tooth root;
• secondary or cellular, which covers the bifurcation area of ​​multi-rooted teeth, as well as the apical third of the root.

Most often, cement is layered onto the enamel, leaving the root unprotected. More often the cement comes close to the enamel, but it also happens that it does not reach, leaving a strip of dentin unprotected. This is quite dangerous, since unprotected dentin is susceptible to cervical caries.

Dental cement is formed throughout life, and the formation process is not uniform. With chronic periodontal inflammation, cement formation increases significantly, which can even lead to hypercementosis. And in cases of tooth root resorption, the newly formed cement can not only replace the dead areas of the root, but even help restore its function.

Reasons for additional formation of cement –

In case of periodontitis and chronic periodontitis, when the enamel on the occlusal surfaces is worn away, when the load on the tooth increases, as well as in the absence of an antagonist tooth, intensive deposition of cement occurs in the area of ​​the apical third of the root (hypercementosis is formed, Fig. 3).
Trauma to the tooth root, as well as orthodontic treatment, can also lead to this. In addition, there is also such a formation as “cementicle”. This is nothing more than a round-shaped formation consisting of cement, located in the periodontium. They arise as a result of mineralization of microvessels in the area of ​​islets of Malasse epithelial cells.

Development of cement (cementogenesis) –

The formation of cement occurs in two stages. At stage 1, the synthesis of an organic matrix (cementoid or primary cement) occurs. At stage 2, mineralization of the cementoid occurs - with the formation of secondary cement. Let's look at how this all happens.

First, the cells of the dental papilla (as a result of the inducing influence of the epithelial sheath) differentiate into root odontoblasts, which form root dentin. Next, the cementoblasts of the dental sac begin to produce the organic cement matrix (cementoid), as well as collagen fibers and the main amorphous substance. As a result, cementoid is deposited on the surface of the root dentin - in the form of a highly mineralized structureless “Hopewell-Smith” layer (this layer contributes to the strong attachment of cement to the root dentin).

Next, primary cementum, which does not contain cells, is the first to form. It is slowly deposited as the tooth erupts, covering 2/3 of the root surface (closer to the crown of the tooth). Next, mineralization of the cementoid occurs, which is associated with the deposition of phosphates and calcium carbonate. This process occurs in waves, and then in the apical third of the root and the furcation zone, a cell is formed, i.e. secondary cement. We hope that our article was useful to you!

Sources:

1. Higher professional education of the author in dentistry, 2. The European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EU), 3. “Anatomy of human teeth” (Gayvoronsky, Petrova). 4. “Therapeutic dentistry” (Politun, Smolyar), 5. “Histology of the oral cavity” (Glinkina V.V.).