Research progress on cemental tears in terms of clinical diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

A cemental tear is defined as an incomplete or complete detachment of the cementum along the dentino-cemental junction (CDJ) or the incremental line within the body of the cementum, which can also involve part of the root dentine adjacent to the cementum. The pathogenesis of cemental tears is not fully elucidated. From the literature review, possible predisposing factors were identified, including tooth type, sex, age, periodontitis, previous periodontal treatment or root canal treatment, history of dental trauma, and occlusal trauma or excessive occlusal force. The morphology of cemental tears can be either piece-shaped or U-shaped, which usually contributes to periodontal and periapical breakdown. Clinically, cemental tears have a unitary periodontal pocket and present with symptoms mimicking localized periodontitis, apical periodontitis, and vertical root fractures. Imaging examination is of great significance for the clinical diagnosis of cemental tears, which often manifest as thin ‘prickle-like’ radiopaque masses located longitudinally adjacent to the affected root surface. Exploratory surgery is needed in some cases. Although intraoperative cemental fragments and cemental lines on the root surface can assist in the diagnostic process, histopathology examination is the gold standard for the diagnosis of cemental tears. The treatment methods vary depending on the timing of the correct diagnosis and the clinical or radiological manifestations. With the development of regenerative biomaterials and the development of intentional replantation, an increasing number of affected teeth can survive for a long time. The aim of this review is to systematically describe the biological basis and predisposing factors, clinical features, radiographic and histological characteristics, diagnosis and clinical management of cemental tears, and treatment outcomes to help make a clear diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Keywords

• cemental tears，
• cementum，
• incremental line，
• periodontal-endodontic combined lesions，
• periodontal flap operation，
• guided tissue regeneration，
• intentional replantation，