Severe localized periodontal destruction associated with cervical cemental separation

Cemental separations and tears are secondary etiological factors that may lead to rapid periodontal destruction if the lesion communicates with the oral cavity and allows bacterial invasion. Although many cemental tears that occur on proximal surfaces can be diagnosed radiographically, separations on the facial or lingual surface that cannot be detected on radiographs may present a diagnostic dilemma. This article describes a case of lingual cemental separation on a maxillary incisor, with subsequent successful surgical correction utilizing an osseous graft.