Hypercementosis

Hypercementosis
Classification and external resources
Specialty
ICD-10	K03.4
ICD-9-CM	521.5
Patient UK	Hypercementosis

Hypercementosis is an idiopathic, non-neoplastic condition characterized by the excessive buildup of normal cementum (calcified tissue) on the roots of one or more teeth. A thicker layer of cementum can give the tooth an enlarged appearance, which mainly occurs at the apex or apices of the tooth.

Etiology

Can be caused by many things. A way to remember the causes is "PIG ON TAP"

Local factors-

• Occlusal Trauma
• Trauma
• Non-functional tooth
• Unopposed tooth (and impacted teeth, embedded teeth, teeth without antagonists)

Systematic factors-

• Idiopathic
• Pituitary Gigantism
• Paget's Disease
• Acromegaly
• Periapical granuloma
• Arthritis
• Calcinosis
• Rheumatic fever

It may be one of the complications of Paget's disease of bone in the form of generalized hypercementosis.

It may also be a compensatory mechanism in response to attrition to increase occlusal tooth height.

Symptoms

It is experienced as an uncomfortable sensation in the tooth, followed by an aching pain.

It may be noted on radiographs as a radiopaque (or lighter) mass at each root apex.

Complications

Such deposits form bulbous enlargements on the roots and may interfere with extractions, especially if adjacent teeth become fused (concrescence). It may also result in pulpal necrosis by blocking blood supply via the apical foramen.