Scanning electron microscopic observations of the root surface in both permanent and deciduous teeth

ABSTRACT

This study describes the histological features of human cementum along different locations of the root in both deciduous and permanent teeth. 20 freshly extracted teeth with minimal periodontal involvement were collected. They include deciduous [anterior and posterior] teeth and permanent [anterior and posterior] teeth. Scanning electron microscopic observations revealed presence of minute resorping lacunae in both deciduous and permanent teeth with great variability in the number and depth. A striking observation revealed the presence of cracks on the root surface of permanent teeth and their absence in deciduous one. The recorded differences may be related to the differences in the fate as well as the function of the roots in both dentitions. Where in deciduous teeth, roots were re-sorped during shedding whereas in permanent teeth, cementum provides media for the attachment of periodontal ligament through out the life span of the tooth