Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026
Author Spotlight: Establishing an Accurate Microhardness Testing Protocol for Craniofacial Tissues
Published on: April 26, 2024
Adaptive properties of human cementum and cementum dentin junction with age
Andrew T Jang1, Jeremy D Lin1, Ryan M Choi1
1Division of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry, 707 Parnassus Avenue, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to evaluate age related changes in physical (structure/mechanical properties) and chemical (elemental/inorganic mineral content) properties of cementum layers interfacing dentin.
Methods:
Human mandibular molars (N=43) were collected and sorted by age (younger=19-39, middle=40-60, older=61-81 years). The structures of primary and secondary cementum (PC, SC) types were evaluated using light and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. Chemical composition of cementum layers were characterized through gravimetric analysis by estimating ash weight and concentrations of Ca, Mn, and Zn trace elements in the analytes through inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. The hardness of PC and SC was determined using microindentation and site-specific reduced elastic modulus properties were determined using nanoindentation techniques.
Results:
PC contained fibrous 1-3 µm wide hygroscopic radial PDL-inserts. SC illustrated PC-like structure adjacent to a multilayered architecture composing of regions that contained mineral dominant lamellae. The width of the cementum dentin junction (CDJ) decreased as measured from the cementum enamel junction (CEJ) to the tooth apex (49-21 µm), and significantly decreased with age (44-23 µm; p<0.05). The inorganic ratio defined as the ratio of post-burn to pre-burn weight increased with age within primary cementum (PC) and secondary cementum (SC). Cementum showed an increase in hardness with age (PC (0.40-0.46 GPa), SC (0.37-0.43 GPa)), while dentin showed a decreasing trend (coronal dentin (0.70-0.72 GPa); apical dentin (0.63-0.73 GPa)).
Significance:
The observed physicochemical changes are indicative of increased mineralization of cementum and CDJ over time. Changes in tissue properties of teeth can alter overall tooth biomechanics and in turn the entire bone-tooth complex including the periodontal ligament. This study provides baseline information about the changes in physicochemical properties of cementum with age, which can be identified as adaptive in nature.
Related Concept Videos
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:15Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
01:40Bone Remodeling
01:27Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue