cementum
Noun: A hard, calcified tissue that covers the root of a tooth. It is a specialized bony substance that helps anchor the tooth to the surrounding bone in the jaw via the periodontal ligament.
Cementum is a dental anatomical term. It is used in scientific, medical, and dental contexts to describe the outer layer of the tooth root. * The dentist explained that the cementum on the exposed root surface was sensitive. * In periodontitis, the loss of bone and cementum can lead to tooth mobility. * The primary function of cementum is to provide attachment for the periodontal ligament fibers.
- Cementum hyperplasia: A condition involving the abnormal thickening of the cementum layer.
- Cementum repair: The natural or therapeutic process by which cementum can regenerate to a limited degree after damage.
- Cemental (adjective): Pertaining to cementum.
- The study focused on cemental annulations, which are like growth rings in the tissue.
- Cementoblast (noun): The cell that forms cementum.
- Cementogenesis (noun): The process of cementum formation.
This word has a single, specific anatomical meaning. It is not to be confused with "cement," the common construction material, although both share a Latin root meaning "quarry stone."
- Cement (in specific dental/biological contexts; note: this is highly technical and identical to the common word for construction material, so "cementum" is preferred for clarity).
- Radicular cementum (a more specific term indicating it is on the root).
No idioms are associated with this specific anatomical term.
No phrasal verbs are associated with this noun.
- a specialized bony substance covering the root of a tooth