Observations of root surfaces from patients with early-onset periodontitis and leukocyte adhesion deficiency

The purpose of this investigation was to report observations of the root surfaces of teeth from 2 siblings with leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD). In previous publications, the clinical, radiographic and immunologic findings in the family were presented. 38 permanent teeth from the 2 siblings were prepared for microscopic examination, 11 for light microscopy (LM), and 27 for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, 8 healthy teeth obtained from 2 patients requiring extractions for orthodontic treatment served as controls. LM observations on healthy teeth revealed cementum with normal structural appearance which exhibited a mosaic or mogul-like pattern with SEM. In LAD specimens, cementum apical to the dentogingival junction exhibited resorption lacunae and areas of poor structural definition characterized by aplasia and hypoplasia (hypomineralization). Areas of hypoplasia presented as distinct irregular surfaces with a pebbly or globular-like appearance. Alteration in cementum formation and maturation may play a role in the etiology of early-onset periodontitis.