Prevalence and distribution of attached cementicles on human root surfaces

A study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and distribution of attached cementicles on different root surfaces of 415 extracted human incisors, canines, premolars and molars. The teeth were boiled in water and soaked in a 5.25% solution of sodium hypochlorite to clean the root surfaces of any soft tissue and debris. Examination with a dissecting microscope showed cementicles on 144 (34%) of the teeth. Cementicles were seen on approximately 50% of the canines and molars and on fewer than 50% of the other teeth. On canines, cementicles were found most frequently in the middle and apical thirds of the roots. On molars, cementicles were found most frequently in furcations. A relationship was noted between the presence of enamel pearls in molar furcations and enamel projections from the cementoenamel junction. The findings suggest that cementicles occur in certain locations frequently enough to be of clinical importance.