SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY OF THE HUMAN CEMENTUM SURFACE IN VARIOUS PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 8  (4) , 353-373
Abstract
In scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the dental root surfaces, human cementum resorption by giant multinucleated cells appeared similar in temporary and permanent teeth. The resorbed zones were formed by associated Howship lacunae. On the lacunae walls, the openings of numerous tubules of the cementocytic lacunae were seen. Such aspects were noted during the physiological resorption of temporary teeth. The cementum surface of permanent teeth without pathology frequently presented resorption aspects around their apical regions as well as on other regions; the resorbed areas were not widespread. Similar resorption zones were observed in contact with paradental granulomas and along granulation tissue in cases of chronic periodontitis. After gingival recession, orally exposed cementum was mainly characterized by the disappearance of the typical dappled aspect of the cellular cementum and by the presence on the smoothed surface of numerous striae. The cementum wall of the periodontal pockets showed a dappled aspect with the occasional presence of incipient calculus formation as well as calcified fibrillar elements. These calcified fibrils were short, covering the whole surface or were longer, being disposed parallel to the surface in interwoven networks or in tufts. Cementum curetage followed by root planing removed the calculus completely. Before root planing, the presence of numerous striae were noted. They disappeared following the action of a rubber cup and an abrasive polishing paste. Ultrasonic scaling gave a relatively clean root surface. The cementum surface, apparently devoid of calculus under visual examination, showed in places the presence of thin calculus layers under the SEM.