# A Comparative Elemental and Surface Analysis of Root Cementum in Severe Periodontitis and Healthy Teeth

## TL;DR

This study compares the surface and elemental makeup of root cementum in healthy teeth and those with severe periodontitis, finding significant differences that may impact disease progression.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into how periodontitis alters cementum at the elemental and structural levels.

## Key findings

- Periodontitis-affected teeth showed irregular, cracked cementum surfaces compared to smooth, homogenous surfaces in healthy teeth.
- EDX analysis found lower calcium and phosphorus, but higher magnesium, sodium, and sulfur in periodontitis-affected teeth.
- These changes in cementum may contribute to the progression of periodontal disease.

## Abstract

This study aims to compare the elemental composition and surface characteristics of root cementum in teeth affected by severe periodontitis with those of healthy teeth.

Forty-seven teeth, including 25 teeth affected by stage III, grade C periodontitis and 22 healthy teeth, were extracted from patients aged 17 to 34 years. The cementum surfaces were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to evaluate surface morphology and elemental composition.

SEM images revealed that healthy teeth exhibited a homogenous, smooth cementum surface, while teeth affected by periodontitis showed an irregular, uneven surface with deep crack lines and resorption areas. EDX analysis indicated significant differences in elemental composition; periodontitis-affected teeth had lower calcium and phosphorus but higher magnesium, sodium, and sulfur levels than healthy teeth.

Periodontitis significantly alters the surface characteristics and elemental composition of root cementum, which may contribute to disease progression and impaired periodontal health.