Cementoma

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Cementoma
Synonyms	Cemental dysplasia
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Usually asymptomatic, may cause swelling or pain if infected
Complications	Infection, tooth loss
Onset	Typically in middle-aged adults
Duration	Chronic
Types	Periapical cemental dysplasia, Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia
Causes	Unknown
Risks	More common in African American women
Diagnosis	Radiograph
Differential diagnosis	Fibrous dysplasia, Ossifying fibroma
Prevention	Regular dental check-ups
Treatment	Monitoring, root canal if infected
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with proper management
Frequency	Relatively rare
Deaths	N/A

A benign odontogenic tumor

A cementoma is a type of benign tumor that originates from the cementum, a calcified tissue covering the roots of teeth. Cementomas are classified as odontogenic tumors, which means they are related to the formation and development of teeth. These tumors are generally non-cancerous and are often discovered incidentally during routine dental radiography.

Classification

Cementomas are part of a group of lesions known as cemento-osseous dysplasia. They are further classified into three main types:

• Periapical cemental dysplasia: This type typically occurs in the anterior mandible and is more common in middle-aged African American women. It is often asymptomatic and discovered on routine dental X-rays.
• Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia: This type affects multiple quadrants of the jaw and can be more extensive. It is also more common in middle-aged women of African descent.
• Cementoblastoma: This is a true neoplasm of cementum and is characterized by the formation of a mass of cementum attached to the root of a tooth. It can cause pain and swelling.

Clinical Features

Cementomas are usually asymptomatic and are often found during routine dental examinations. However, in some cases, they may cause symptoms such as:

• Toothache
• Swelling of the jaw
• Displacement of teeth

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cementoma is primarily based on radiographic findings. On X-rays, cementomas appear as well-defined radiopaque masses that are often surrounded by a radiolucent halo. The appearance can vary depending on the stage of the lesion.

Treatment

In most cases, cementomas do not require treatment unless they cause symptoms or complications. When intervention is necessary, treatment options may include:

• Surgical removal of the lesion
• Endodontic treatment if the associated tooth is affected

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with cementoma is generally excellent, as these lesions are benign and do not transform into malignant tumors. Regular dental check-ups are recommended to monitor the condition.

See Also

• Odontogenic tumor
• Cemento-osseous dysplasia
• Cementum
• Radiography