Cementum

Cementum is a thin, calcified connective tissue layer covering the roots of teeth, providing a medium for attachment of the periodontal ligament fibers to the tooth, thus anchoring teeth in the alveolar bone[1][5][7][9]. It is avascular, softer than dentin, and comprised primarily of type I collagen, non-collagenous proteins (such as CEMP1, osteonectin, bone sialoprotein, and osteopontin), glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycans[2][4]. Cementum is involved in tooth support, repair, and adaptation, essential for maintaining periodontal integrity[1][3][4][5][9]. While important for oral health, cementum is not a druggable molecular target and should not be categorized as a receptor or signal transducer.

Other names

Tooth cementum