Periodontitis with hypercementosis: report of a case and discussion of possible aetiologic factors

Background: Hypercementosis may be idiopathic or secondary to either local factors or systemic disorders. However, periodontitis as an aetiologic factor in the formation of hypercementosis has never been documented in the literature. Methods: We report a case of periodontitis with hypercementosis, affecting the right mandibular second premolar and first molar teeth. Results: Our patients maxillary was edentulous and the mandibular teeth #47, #43, #42, #41, #31, #32, #33, #36, #37 were missing. The right mandibular second premolar and first molar had first-degree mobility and second-degree mobility respectively. Periodontal pocket depth in the right mandibular second premolar and first molar were 5 mm and 8 mm at buccal pockets, 6 mm and 9 mm at distal pockets, respectively. The radiograph revealed that the roots of both teeth were grossly thickened and blunted. The right mandibular first molar was extracted and sent for histopathological examination. The definitive diagnoses were periodontitis and hypercementosis. Conclusions: The concomitant occurrence of periodontitis and hypercementosis in our patient suggests that periodontitis is a predisposing factor for hypercementosis development. This condition may be associated with various local stimuli and possible compensative phenomenon.