DENTAL CEMENTUM Meaning and
Definition
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Dental cementum is a specialized, calcified connective tissue that surrounds and covers the root surface of a tooth. It is a mineralized substance that forms a thin layer and acts as a protective covering for the dentin, which makes up the bulk of the tooth. Cementum plays a crucial role in anchoring the tooth to the alveolar bone through structures called periodontal fibers.
The main function of dental cementum is to provide a medium for the attachment of periodontal ligaments, which connect the tooth to the socket in the bone. It also helps in the mechanical support of the tooth and protects the underlying dentin from external stimuli such as temperature changes or mechanical stress.
Dental cementum is composed primarily of hydroxyapatite crystals, which give it its hardness and structural strength. It contains a lower concentration of mineralized substances compared to enamel or dentin; however, it is harder than both of these dental tissues. It is not as resistant to decay as enamel, but it is more resistant than dentin, which is why it plays a vital role in protecting the vulnerable dentin layers near the root areas of teeth.
Overall, dental cementum is an essential component of the tooth structure. It helps maintain the tooth's position in the jawbone, protects the root surface, and assists in tooth stability and support within the oral cavity.
Common Misspellings for DENTAL CEMENTUM
- sental cementum
- xental cementum
- cental cementum
- fental cementum
- rental cementum
- eental cementum
- dwntal cementum
- dsntal cementum
- ddntal cementum
- drntal cementum
- d4ntal cementum
- d3ntal cementum
- debtal cementum
- demtal cementum
- dejtal cementum
- dehtal cementum
- denral cementum
- denfal cementum
- dengal cementum
- denyal cementum
Etymology of DENTAL CEMENTUM
The etymology of the word "dental cementum" originates from the Latin word "caementum", which means "rough stone" or "quarry stone". In dentistry, cementum refers to the layer of hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth. The term "dental" is derived from the Latin word "dentes", meaning "teeth". Therefore, "dental cementum" combines the Latin roots for "teeth" and "rough stone" to describe the specific hard tissue covering the roots of teeth.
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