CEMENTAL TEAR AND ITS DENTAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Cementum rupture, known as Cemental Tear (CT), is a rare lesion that compromises tooth stability over time. It is characterized by the partial or total detachment of cementum from the dental root, usually at the junction between cementum and dentin. Although still little addressed in dentistry, CT can lead to rapid bone loss and destruction of periodontal tissues, often being confused with vertical root fractures or endodontic-periodontal lesions. The problem addressed in this study lies in the scarcity of systematized information on this condition, which hinders proper diagnosis and management. The following problem then arises: how to differentiate Cemental Tear from other dental conditions and what are the most effective approaches for its diagnosis and treatment? The general objective of this study is to investigate the clinical, epidemiological, and radiographic characteristics of CT. Specific objectives include characterizing cementum rupture, identifying risk factors, and analyzing its prevalence; and to explore the indicated examinations for early diagnosis. To this end, a literature review was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and LILACS databases, including publications between 2010 and 2025. The results showed that most cases occurred in patients over 50 years of age, with predisposing factors such as occlusal trauma, extensive restorations, and previous endodontic treatments. It is concluded that early recognition of cementum rupture is fundamental to avoid accelerated bone loss and treatment failures, and greater dissemination of this condition among dental professionals is necessary.