Cementum anomalies of the dentogingival junction

This study examined naturally occuring cementum anomalies in the area of the dentogingival junction in 12 adult human cadaver jaws. Jaws were sectioned mesiodistally along the long axis of the teeth, and the remaining facial and lingual portions were sectioned buccolingually. This technique provided two to four nondecalcified ground sections for each tooth surface (n=171 surfaces) for staining and analysis. The cementum thickness was measured histomorphometrically at three random sites per tooth to determine a mean cementum thickness for each tooth. Cementum anamolies were found on 18 (11.5%) of the 171 surfaces. Of the cementum anomalies observed, nine (5.3%) were classified as small, two (1.2%) as medium, and seven (4.1%) as large. Also 25% of the specimens had at least one area of increased cementum thickness that was considered a variation from normal. Of the aberrations in the cementum thickness 94.4% were found on interproximal surfaces; aberrations were predominantly located at the insertion of the transeptal fibers. Loss of attachment can expose the cementum anomalies, making them an important anatomic consideration during periodontal and restorative therapy.