HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is a cementoma?

1. Type of dental caries affecting the root

2. Cementum tumor at root tip that destroys surrounding bone

3. Formation of calculus on the tooth surface

4. Infection of the dental pulp

The correct answer is: Cementum tumor at root tip that destroys surrounding bone

A cementoma is specifically defined as a type of benign tumor that originates from cementoblasts, the cells responsible for producing cementum, which is the hard tissue covering the root of a tooth. This tumor typically appears at the tip of the root and is characterized by its ability to cause destruction of the surrounding bone tissue. This condition often manifests as radiopaque lesions on dental x-rays, indicating the presence of a growth at the apex of a tooth root. Understanding the nature of cementomas is crucial in dental practice, as they can be mistaken for other pathologies, such as periapical disease or infections. Their benign nature typically means they may not require aggressive treatment unless they cause symptoms or complications. In contrast, other options in the question do not accurately describe the characteristics of a cementoma. For instance, dental caries involve the decay of tooth structure, not a tumor formation. The accumulation of calculus is related to plaque mineralization on teeth, which is distinctly different from neoplastic growths. Lastly, infections of the dental pulp pertain to a different area within the tooth structure and usually involve soft tissues rather than cementum or surrounding bone. Thus, understanding what a cementoma is highlights its distinct nature and pathology in the realm of dentistry.