Morphology of the Cement-Enamel Junction (CEJ), Clinical Correlations

Abstract

The following study describes the mineralized tissue distribution which composes the cement-enamel junction, in a simple of Chilean people, comparing several teeth surfaces. Cervical area was observed (M-V, D-V, M-L/P, D-L/P sites) from 136 (n=68) longitudinal sections on premolars and incisors, with orthodontic or prosthetic reasons for exodontia, which were analyzed by optical microscope in order to identify the type of cement-enamel junction. For that measurement it was Choquet's criteria, founding four types: 1) cement over enamel, 2) enamel over cement, 3) vis a vis, 4) Gap presence between enamel, cement and exposed dentin. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of these. As result, it was observed that there was no association between tooth surface and Choquet's classification; however that association was observed while comparing the type of tooth and the relationship with mineralized tissues at the CEJ. So, incisors were associated with class 1 and premolars with class 3 of Choquet. Class 3 prevalence is the most frequently observed in the sample size (51.9%), following class 1 (42.4%), class 4 (4.4%), and class 2 with the lower prevalence on the sample (1.5%). Because this region is fragile and highly susceptible to pathological changes and from the external environment, it must be carefully handled during clinical procedures such as teeth whitening, orthodontics, restorations, root scaling and clamp placement.