Braz J Oral Sci. January/March 2005 - Vol.4 - Number 12 Dental cementum reviewed: development, structure, composition, regeneration and potential functions Patricia Furtado Gonçalves 1 Enilson Antonio Sallum 1 Abstract Antonio Wilson Sallum 1 This article reviews developmental and structural characteristics of Márcio Zaffalon Casati 1 cementum, a unique avascular mineralized tissue covering the root Sérgio de Toledo 1 surface that forms the interface between root dentin and periodontal Francisco Humberto Nociti Junior 1 ligament. Besides describing the types of cementum and 1 Dept. of Prosthodontics and Periodontics, cementogenesis, attention is given to recent advances in scientific Division of Periodontics, School of Dentistry understanding of the molecular and cellular aspects of the formation at Piracicaba - UNICAMP, Piracicaba, São and regeneration of cementum. The understanding of the mechanisms Paulo, Brazil. involved in the dynamic of this tissue should allow for the development of new treatment strategies concerning the approach of the root surface affected by periodontal disease and periodontal regeneration techniques. Received for publication: October 01, 2004 Key Words: Accepted: December 17, 2004 dental cementum, review Correspondence to: Francisco H. Nociti Jr. Av. Limeira 901 - Caixa Postal: 052 - CEP: 13414-903 - Piracicaba - S.P. - Brazil Tel: ++ 55 19 34125298 Fax: ++ 55 19 3412 5218 E-mail:
[email protected] 651 Braz J Oral Sci. 4(12): 651-658 Dental cementum reviewed: development, structure, composition, regeneration and potential functions Introduction junction (Figure 1). The areas and location of acellular Cementum is an avascular mineralized tissue covering the afibrillar cementum vary from tooth to tooth and along the entire root surface. Due to its intermediary position, forming cementoenamel junction of the same tooth6-9.