Cementoenamel junction of deciduous teeth: SEM-morphology

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ABSTRACT

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the cementoenamel junction of a group of 11 primary sound mandibular incisors
extracted for orthodontic reasons.

Methods

Eleven caries and defect-free human inferior deciduous incisors were
extracted for orthodontic reasons and the cementoenamel junction was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The types
of tissue interrelations were classified in four possible categories: 1) cementum and enamel edge-to-edge, 2) cementum overlapped by
enamel, 3) enamel overlapped by cementum, 4) presence of exposed dentin between enamel and cementum.

Results

In our
observations root cementum and enamel edge-to-edge interrelation was the most frequent feature observed in overall sample, root
cementum overlapping enamel tissues was observed in more than one third of the cementoenamel junction area, exposed dentin was a
rare observation. In few, small and rare areas enamel overlapped cementum. Further studies could determine statistical prevalence.

Conclusion

The cementoenamel junction of primary teeth differs from that of permanent teeth, the scarcity of gaps between
cementum and enamel, the epithelial junction at the equator of the crown and the globosity of the crown are probable protective factors
toward decay susceptibility.

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