The regulation of fiber arrangement in advanced cellular cementogenesis of human teeth

J Periodontal Res. 1998 Feb;33(2):83-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0765.1998.tb02296.x.

Abstract

This study observed cellular cementum in fully formed human premolars by light and electron microscopy to elucidate how cementoblasts regulate the fiber arrangement in cementum. Cementoblasts had wing-like processes encircling the principal fibers, where Sharpey's fibers were dense. On the cementum-facing side, wing-like processes were segmented into finger-like processes in parallel with the cementum surface. Observations suggested that with the segmentation intrinsic fibers appeared around principal fibers in close association with finger-like processes. Where Sharpey's fibers were few or absent, where intrinsic fibers were the main fibrous element of the cementum, cementoblasts had only few or no wing-like processes, but had finger-like processes not associated with the wing-like processes on the cementum-facing side. On the basis of the origin of the finger-like processes the main results suggest that there are two kinds of cementoblasts: one has finger-like processes associated with wing-like processes and secretes intrinsic fibers from the finger-like processes to incorporate the principal fibers for tooth support. The second type has finger-like processes not associated with wing-like processes, this type secretes intrinsic fibers from the finger-like processes to adjust the cementum thickness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cementogenesis*
  • Collagen / ultrastructure
  • Connective Tissue Cells / cytology
  • Dental Cementum / cytology*
  • Dental Cementum / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Odontogenesis
  • Periodontal Ligament / cytology

Substances

  • Collagen