Cemental Tear: Clinical Characteristics and Its Predisposing Factors

Intentional replantation for a Class 4/Stage C cemental tear: Etiology, choice and outcomes of treatment

Cemental tears, root cracks, and associated periapical-periodontal lesions may occur simultaneously in one tooth, and can be effectively managed by intentional replantation and etiological control. A durable splint, along with occlusal and periodontal monitoring, is required as healing progresses slowly and may be insufficient.

Clinical, radiographic features and prognosis of cemental tear: A retrospective study of 63 teeth

Cemental tears are often misdiagnosed due to their scarcity. In this study, we reported the second largest cohort of cemental tears thus far. By reviewing the radiographic data and medical records of 63 cemental tear teeth, we found that periapical periodontitis was the most frequent diagnosis, followed by cracked tooth/root fracture and periodontitis. Most of the cemental tear teeth that did not have root canal treatment had vital pulp. The apical third of the root was the most prominent site of cemental tears. Cemental tears occurred more frequently in the palatal root of the maxillary molars and in the mesial root of the two-root mandibular molars. Uncontrollable bone loss and tooth mobility were the two main reasons for the extraction of teeth with cemental tears. We suggest that cemental tears should be included in the differential diagnosis of periapical periodontitis, cracked tooth, vertical root fracture and periodontitis, especially for teeth with periapical radiolucency and vital pulp. We believe our study could provide more insights into cemental tears, which will aid clinicians in the early diagnosis and proper treatment of cemental tears.

Unusual imaging appearance of cemental tear in the maxillary first molar on cone-beam computed tomography: A case report

A cemental tear (CeT) is a definitive clinical entity and its radiographic appearance is well known in single-rooted teeth. However, the imaging features of CeT in multi-rooted teeth have not been clarified. We report a case of CeT which arose in the maxillary first molar and exhibited an unusual appearance in cone-beam computed tomography images. The torn structure was verified as cementum by micro-computed tomography and histological analysis. The hypercementosis, most likely induced by occlusal force, might have been torn from the root by a stronger occlusal force caused by the mandibular implant. An unusual bridging structure was created between the two buccal roots. These features may occur in multi-rooted teeth with long-standing deep pockets and abscesses that are resistant to treatment.

Comparison Study of Diagnosis and Treatment Planning for Dental Infections between Dental Students and Practitioners

This study aimed to access the knowledge in diagnosing dental infections and the practice in treatment planning for the affected teeth among dental practitioners (DPs) and senior (final-year) students. A survey questionnaire containing two cases (Case A; periodontal abscess and Case B; periapical abscess) with four questions per case was delivered to potential participants. Fifty-nine DPs voluntarily participated in the survey. For senior students, the case study was a part of their course requirements; one of the two cases (either Case A or B) was randomly assigned to the 126 seniors. The distribution of responses was significantly different between the DP and senior groups except for the diagnosis of Case B (Fisher’s exact test; p = 0.05). Only 31% of the participants diagnosed Case A as periodontal abscess; most of them selected periodontal surgery as the first treatment option. Despite a high agreement in diagnosing Case B, the choice of treatment was significantly different; the most frequent treatment option was extraction (51%) from the DP group and root canal retreatment (57%) from the senior group. The study revealed that the diagnosis of periodontal abscess was more challenging than that of periapical abscess among dental professionals.

Dentinal microcracks and cemental tears related to chemo-mechanical root canal instrumentation: a micro-CT Cadaver Study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of radicular defects after root canal instrumentation is unresolved. This study used micro-CT to assess the relationship between the formation of radicular defects and chemo-mechanical instrumentation in a cadaver model.

METHODS

Maxillary and mandibular molars (n = 24) were sectioned from cadaver specimens as a tissue block containing the teeth, alveolar bone and attached mucogingival tissues. After a baseline micro-CT scan (13.45 μm), the specimens were distributed into 3 groups (n = 8 molars): Reciproc^® , ProTaper Next™ and Mtwo^® . Micro-CT scans of each specimen were obtained after access, glide path and preparation with each instrument. The pre-operative and final post-operative micro-CT cross-sectional images of the roots were screened by two blinded examiners to identify any pre-existing and new radicular defects. Pre-existing and new radicular defects were examined histologically.

RESULTS

Overall, 16 pre-existing radicular defects were identified in 12 of the 24 molars (50%). Most of these were cemental tears (87.5%), and not true dentinal microcracks. New dentinal microcracks were observed in the post-operative micro-CT scans of only 3 canals (3.9%; 3/77). However, only one of these defects was found to be present histologically.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of the study, chemo-mechanical instrumentation did not routinely promote the formation of radicular defects.

Imaging characteristics of enamel pearls on CBCT and their co-relation with supernumerary tooth

OBJECTIVES

Enamel pearl (EP) is an ectopic growth of enamel that is generally round and white and it firmly adheres to the external root surface of tooth. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and imaging features of enamel pearls (EPs) and to investigate the potential relationship between EP and supernumerary tooth.

METHODS

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 1003 patients were evaluated for the presence of EP. Descriptive characteristics of gender and age of patients and imaging features of EPs and presence of supernumerary tooth were recorded.

RESULTS

In this study, 72 EPs were radiographically detected in 63 molars in 43 patients, with a person prevalence of 4.29% and tooth prevalence of 0.71%. Most of the EPs (95.83%) were detected in maxillary molars especially in third (n = 42, 58.33%) and second molars (n = 18, 25%). They were more frequently located at mesial (n: = 21; 29.16%); distal (n = 16; 22.22%) proximal surface of roots and the furcation between the disto-buccal and the palatal roots (n = 12; 16.67%) respectively. CBCT images of 109 (10.87%) patients showed supernumerary tooth/teeth and 13 of these also presented EP. A statistical significant relationship between supernumerary tooth and EP was found (p = 0.001). Additionally, CBCT images of four EPs showed corticated hypodens tracts similar to gubernaculum dentis (GD).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians and radiologists should be aware that EPs are most frequently observed in maxilla especially in third and second molars. Presence of supernumerary tooth might be associated with higher presence of EPs.

Cemental tear: Literature review, proposed classification and recommendations for treatment

Cemental tears are an important condition of relevance to Endodontics but are often overlooked. A cemental tear is the partial or complete detachment of the cementum from the cemento-dentinal junction or along the incremental line within the body of cementum. The limited attention received is most likely due to the limited awareness amongst dental professionals and challenges in accurately diagnosing them, resulting in misdiagnosis and erroneous treatment. The aim of this review is to describe the: (i) epidemiology and predisposing factors; (ii) clinical, radiographic and histological features and (iii) the clinical management and treatment outcomes of cemental tear. The review included 37 articles published in English that comprised eight observational studies and 29 case reports. The prevalence of cemental tears was reported to be lower than 2%; whilst the incidence remains unknown. Internal factors due to the inherent structural weakness of cementum and its interface with the dentine, and external factors that are associated with stress have been proposed as the two mechanisms responsible for the development and propagation of cemental tears. Predisposing factors that have been implicated were tooth type, gender, age, previous root canal treatment, history of dental trauma, occlusal trauma and excessive occlusal force; however, evidence is limited. Common clinical and radiographic manifestations of cemental tears resemble the presentations of primary endodontic diseases, primary periodontal diseases and combined endodontic-periodontal lesions. Clinical management tended to focus on complete removal of the torn fragments and periodontal treatment, often combined with regenerative treatment. In this article, a new classification for cemental tears is developed that consists of classes 0 to 6 and stages A, B, C and D based on the: (i) location and accessibility of the torn cemental fragment; (ii) the pattern and extension of the associated bony defect in relation to the root length and (iii) the number of root surface/s affected by the cemental tear/s and the associated bony defect. Recommendations for treatment strategies are also provided and linked to the classification to aid in streamlining the process of treatment decision making.

Cemental tear: An overlooked finding associated with rapid periodontal destruction. A case series

Cemental tear is defined as cementum fragment completely or partially detached from the root surface, and it has been associated with localized rapid periodontal breakdown. Although history of trauma and/or attrition may be risk factors, the etiopathology of cemental tear remains unknown. This case series aims to discuss the clinical, radiographic and histopathologic features of cemental tears to aid clinicians in making differential diagnosis. Three teeth from three patients presenting a periradicular lesion underwent an exploratory surgery to determine the cause and provide treatment. Soft and hard tissue biopsies were obtained from each lesion and forwarded for histopathologic evaluation. Two patients received a guided tissue regeneration (GTR) procedure, which allowed the tooth to be retained. One patient received an extraction with simultaneous guided bone regeneration (GBR) due to a hopeless prognosis of the tooth. The results after histopathologic evaluation yielded a final diagnosis of cemental tear for all three patients. Cemental tears may be overlooked, and therefore, they should be included in the differential diagnosis of periapical periodontitis, endodontic-periodontal lesion and vertical root fracture (VRF).

Cemental Tear on Maxillary Anterior Incisors: A Description of Clinical, Radiographic, and Histopathological Features of Two Clinical Cases

In this case report, three teeth with complete or incomplete cemental tear in two patients were presented. Even though periapical radiograph could detect cemental tear in these three teeth, the cone-beam computed tomography scanning clearly revealed the pattern of the cemental tear, which was later confirmed by histopathological examination. Therefore, this case report shows the benefits of incorporating both cone-beam computed tomography and histopathological examination to diagnose cemental tear.

An unusual case of invasive cervical resorption after piezosurgery-assisted en masse retraction

A 16-year-old patient sought orthodontic correction for profile improvement and labially inclined maxillary incisors. She had Class II malocclusion, protrusive maxillary and mandibular incisors, and increased overjet and overbite with an American Board of Orthodontics discrepancy index value of 25. She was treated with maxillary premolar extractions and miniscrew-supported en masse retraction assisted with piezoincisions. Extraction spaces (7.5 mm per side) were closed with maximum anchorage in 10 months. Total treatment time was 23 months. Twenty-seven months after debonding, a pink spot was noted at the buccocervial region of the left central incisor. Radiographic evaluation on cone-beam computed tomographic scans revealed a severe case of invasive cervical resorption on both central incisors, around which the piezosurgical cuts had been made. Treatment proceeded with a nonintervention approach and the affected teeth were reinforced with a lingual retainer.

Surgical Treatment of a Cemental Tear-Associated Bony Defect Using Hyaluronic Acid and a Resorbable Collagen Membrane: A 2-Year Follow-Up

INTRODUCTION

A cemental tear (CeT) is a special type of surface root fracture that may cause periodontal and even periapical tissue destruction. Unfortunately, there is limited knowledge as to how these rare cases can effectively be treated. The present case is believed to be the first reported in the literature treating a bony defect caused by a cemental tear with hyaluronic acid (HA) and a collagen membrane. The aim of this case report is to present a regenerative surgical approach with clinical and tomographic success and stability at 2-year follow-up.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 61-year-old patient presented with spontaneous pain and gingival swelling over his right central maxillary incisor. Radiographically, a radiolucent area was observed in the medial third between both central incisors. The tomographic evaluation showed a buccal bone dehiscence and a bony defect. Once the differential diagnosis with an endodontic-periodontal lesion and root fracture was performed, CeT was the presumptive diagnosis. During the exploratory flap surgery, a small root fragment (CeT) on the mesial side of the tooth was founded and removed. The bony lesion was treated with hyaluronic acid (HA) and a resorbable collagen membrane. At 2-year follow-up clinical, radiographic, and tomographic success was observed.

CONCLUSION

A CeT-associated bony defect could be successfully treated after removing cemental fragments and performing a regenerative approach using HA and a resorbable collagen membrane.

External cervical resorption-part 1: histopathology, distribution and presentation

External cervical resorption (ECR) is the loss of dental hard tissue as a result of odontoclastic action. It is a dynamic process that involves periodontal, dental and in later stages pulpal tissues. Over the last two decades, ECR has attracted increased interest; this is in part due to novel micro-CT and histopathological techniques for its assessment and also improved radiographic detection using CBCT. This literature review will cover the aetiology, potential predisposing factors, histopathology and diagnosis of ECR. Part 2 will cover the management of ECR.

Cemental tear: To know what we have neglected in dental practice

Cemental tear is a special kind of root surface fracture, contributing to periodontal and periapical breakdown. However, it is a challenge for doctors to diagnose, resulting in delayed or improper treatment. We reviewed the predisposing factors, location, radiographic/clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatments of cemental tears. From the literature, patients with cemental tear were mainly males, over 60 year-old. Possible predisposing factors include gender, age, tooth type, traumatic occlusal force and vital teeth. Cemental tears were common in upper and lower anterior teeth, single or multiple, and can be present in cervical, middle and apical third of roots. Morphology of cemental tears can be either piece-shaped or U-shaped. Clinically, cemental tear shows a unitary periodontal pocket and signs/symptoms mimicking localized periodontitis, apical periodontitis and vertical root fractures. Treatment of cemental tears include scaling, root planning, root canal treatment, periodontal/periapical surgery, guided tissue regeneration, bone grafting, and intentional replantation. Recurrence of cemental tear is possible especially when the fracture involves root apex. Extraction is recommended for teeth with poor prognosis. In conclusion, cemental tears can involve both periodontal and periapical area. Dentists should understand the predisposing factors and clinical features of cemental tears for early diagnosis/treatment to prevent bone loss/tooth extraction.

Failure of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Detection of Fiber Post Perforation

Detection of iatrogenic root perforation during post-space preparation especially in labiolingual plane can be challenging due to the two-dimensional nature of conventional radiography; this can be even more challenging if the cemented post is radiolucent. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were shown to be a valuable diagnostic aid in diagnosis of such cases. However, in this case, the application of CBCT did not help in diagnosis of a labial fiber post perforation in a maxillary central incisor which was finally detected through exploratory surgery.

Predictors of long-term outcomes in patients undergoing periodontal maintenance

AIM

This retrospective study aimed to characterize the baseline status of patients following periodontal maintenance, analysing the association between the long-term outcome of these patients, smoking, bruxism, and the main clinical and radiographic variables.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A sample of 174 patients with moderate to severe periodontitis was refined into homogeneous subsamples according to smoking and bruxism and the rate of tooth loss due to periodontal disease (TLPD): 0, 1-2, and >2 teeth. The association and the distribution (χ² test) of the variables within the subsamples were analysed.

RESULTS

Smoking and bruxism were significantly associated with higher TLPD rates. Vertical and circumferential bone defects (p < .0001), and abfractions (p < .0001) were associated with bruxism and particularly with bruxism and TLPD >2. Furcation defects (p = .0002), fewer radio-opaque subgingival calculus (χ² p < .0001), a lower mean Gingival index (χ² p = .027), and increased mean recessions >1.5 mm (χ² p = .0026) were associated with smoking and higher TLPD rates. The mean baseline mobility, abfractions, and recessions characterized two basic types of TLPD.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking, bruxism, and routine clinical and radiological parameters can be used to characterize the baseline status of patients with worse outcomes.

Clinical and Histologic Aspects of Cervical Cemental Tear as a Risk for Periodontal Diseases

INTRODUCTION

Cemental tear (CeT) has been classified as a specific type of root fracture. It can lead to rapid periodontal breakdown, and recently not many reports have focused on periodontal concerns. This case report presents macroscopy, light microscopy (LM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations of fragments of CeT. Progression of periodontal disease is discussed in terms of anatomic characteristics of the cementum.

CASE PRESENTATION

CeT was observed at a maxillary right central incisor of an 83-year-old male. After clinical examination and initial treatment, surgical periodontal therapy was performed in association with fragment extirpation, apicoectomy, replantation, and simultaneous regenerative treatment. Extirpated torn fragments and granulation tissue masses were subsequently examined by LM and SEM. Bacterial colonies were observed in and around peripheral crevices of cemental fragments.

CONCLUSIONS

Characteristics of cervical CeT are similar to common periodontitis features, such as rapid, periodic, sporadic, and site-specific advance, with occasional spiral pattern of pathologic pockets. In this case report, these features correspond to progression of bacterial pollution along the periphery of the overlapping scales of the cementum. In cases with such advanced periodontitis features, CeT should be discussed as a possible diagnosis. Optimum treatment should be more interventional, such as removal of degraded and torn cemental layers, when definite diagnosis is made by intrasurgical inspection.

Horizontal root fractures in posterior teeth without dental trauma: tooth/root distribution and clinical characteristics

AIM

To describe the clinical characteristics and radiographic findings of horizontal root fractures (HRF) in posterior teeth without a history of dental trauma.

METHODOLOGY

A total 24 patients and 31 HRF cases in 28 posterior teeth were collected from 2006 to 2015. Clinical examinations and radiographic imaging were evaluated. Value of confidence intervals of the proportions was calculated for data presentation.

RESULTS

The number of males (54%) was similar to females (46%). The patients were predominantly between 50 and 70 years of age (75%). Most HRF cases were found in nonendodontically treated teeth (79%), without crown and bridge restorations (82%), and maxillary molars (54%). Many roots of maxillary molars had developed HRF, and the probability was nearly equal. Fractured teeth usually presented with periodontal and apical bone loss, and most patients (92%) were diagnosed with full mouth chronic periodontitis. Tooth wear was another common clinical feature amongst these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

HRF in posterior teeth without dental trauma occurred mainly in patients aged between 50 and 70, in nonendodontically treated teeth, teeth with attrition but without crown and bridge restorations, maxillary molars and with periodontal and periapical bony destruction. Periodontal condition, occlusal wear and patients' age at diagnosis were the possible related factors. HRF in posterior teeth without dental trauma is a diagnostic challenge and even misdiagnosed. A thorough clinical examination, radiographic analysis and recognition of the clinical characteristics are helpful in the early diagnosis and treatment of HRF.

Cemental Tear in an Autotransplanted Tooth That Had Been Functioning for 15 Years

INTRODUCTION

Cemental tears have been described as specific types of root surface fractures that are seen infrequently but can cause rapid collapse of the periodontal tissue. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, cases of cemental tears in autotransplanted teeth and their recovery by autotransplantation have not been reported previously. This case report presents the clinical and histopathologic features of a rare case of a cemental tear that occurred on an autotransplanted tooth. This meant a total long-term treatment course of 20 years involving two separate treatment procedures.

CASE PRESENTATION

In 1995, the mandibular left second molar of a 40-year-old woman was extracted, and autogenous tooth transplantation was performed simultaneously using a third molar from the same side. Good clinical and radiologic progress was observed for >10 years after tooth transplantation. After discovery of a vertical bone defect in the distal area in 2006, conservative periodontal treatment was conducted on the diseased periodontal pocket over the course of several years. In 2010, autogenous tooth transplantation and a subsequent histopathologic examination of the extracted tooth were performed. After recovery treatment, a 5-year follow-up examination provided good results.

CONCLUSIONS

This case report concerns the suspected contributing factors of cemental tears and the recovery treatment. When cemental tears are suspected after radiographic and other clinical examinations, interventional surgical treatment should be performed immediately. When autogenous tooth transplantation is performed, following careful consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of appropriate treatment and proper selection, continuous monitoring should be a prerequisite because of the possible occurrence of cemental tear.

Iatrogenic Damage to the Periodontium Caused by Endodontic Treatment Procedures: An Overview

The tooth, the pulp tissue within it and its supporting structures should be viewed as one biologic unit. The interrelationship of these structures influences each other during health, function and disease. The interrelationship between periodontal and endodontic diseases has aroused much speculation, confusion and controversy. The endodontium and periodontiumare closely related and disease or damage of one tissue may lead to the involvement of the other.

Enamel pearls in permanent dentition: case report and micro-CT evaluation

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the frequency, position, number and morphology of enamel pearls (EPs) using micro-CT (µCT) and to report a case of an EP mimicking an endodontic-periodontic lesion.

METHODS

Cone beam CT (CBCT) was performed in a patient to evaluate a radio-opaque nodule observed on the left maxillary first molar during the radiographic examination. Additionally, 23 EPs were evaluated regarding frequency, position, number and morphology by means of µCT. The results were statistically compared using the Student's t-test for independent samples.

RESULTS

1 pearl was presented in 13 specimens, while 5 specimens presented 2 pearls. The most frequent location of the EPs was the furcation between the disto-buccal and the palatal roots of the maxillary molars. Overall, the mean major diameter, volume and surface area were 1.98 ± 0.85 mm, 1.76 ± 1.36 mm³ and 11.40 ± 7.59 mm², respectively, with no statistical difference between maxillary second and third molars (p > 0.05). In the case report, CBCT revealed an EP between the disto-buccal and the palatal roots of the maxillary first left molar associated with advanced localized periodontitis. The tooth was referred for extraction.

CONCLUSIONS

EPs, located generally in the furcation area, were observed in 0.74% of the sample. The majority was an enamel-dentin pearl type and no difference was found in maxillary second and third molars regarding diameter, volume and surface area of the pearls. In this report, the EP mimicked an endodontic-periodontic lesion and was a secondary aetiological factor in the periodontal breakdown.

Regenerative Treatment of a Cemental Tear Using Enamel Matrix Derivatives: a Ten-Year Follow-up

A patient presented with chronic periapical periodontitis on tooth 45. The root canal was re-treated and a wide apical perforation was closed with MTA® as an apical plug. At reevaluation six month later, the tooth presented with increased mobility, bleeding on probing and probing pocket depths of 9 mm. Despite good periapical healing radio graphically, the tooth showed signs of localized marginal bone loss that was diagnosed as being due to a cemental fracture. The tooth was splinted, a muco-periostal flap was raised and the fragment of cementum was removed. The defect was treated in a regenerative approach, using enamel matrix derivatives (EMD). Six month after therapy, the probing pocket depths decreased to values of ≤ 3 mm and a defect fill was radiographically visible. The 10-year follow up showed a stable situation.

It can be concluded that the occurrence of a local delamination of the root surface may contribute to the development of plaque-induced periodontal destruction. Its removal and the regenerative conditioning of the root surface with EDTA and EMD may result in a, at least partial, resolution of the problem and regeneration of bone at the affected the site.

Multiple cemental tears

A cemental tear is a pathologic condition in which a complete or incomplete separation of the cementum occurs along the root surface and is usually accompanied by a deep periodontal pocket. Past articles report that the incidence of cemental tears has usually been limited to 1 tooth per individual. We encountered a clinical case with cemental tears involving 14 teeth in 1 individual. Multiple cemental tears in 1 individual have not been previously described in the dental literature. We present the clinical and pathologic features of this rare case and suggest that the probable cause of multiple cemental tears is structural weakness of the cementum.