HYPERCEMENTOSIS IN RELATION TO UNERUPTED AND MALPOSED TEETH

A PRELIMINARY REPORT

¹ Histological Research Laboratory, School of Dental and Oral Surgery, Columbia University, New York City

A condition characterized by an excessive growth of cementum, which is easily recognized on certain extracted teeth and roentgenograms taken of them, is called hypercementosis. This condition has been found associated with both healthy and diseased teeth. The cause of hypercementosis has not been determined. Opinions regarding this condition differ: some maintain that it is beneficial; others, that it is pathological and should be eradicated. Thus, the status of hypercementosed teeth is uncertain. As a consequence, many hypercementosed teeth are being sacrificed. This situation warrants further study of the problem.

The present writer suggests that all who may be engaged in the study of hypercementosis should coöperate, and report all their findings while their work is being conducted.

The report herein presented is a study of five cases of unerupted, impacted, and malposed teeth presenting no evidence of any pathological condition. The microscopical and clinical examinations of these teeth reveal the presence of marked hypercementosis involving various portions of the root.