Cemental tear: a case report.

AIM: To report a case of a cemental tear.

SUMMARY: A case is reported of a patient with a history of trauma, root canal treatment and retreatment procedures to eliminate recurring sinus tracts. An exploratory surgery, extraction, and biopsy resulted in a diagnosis of cemental tear.

KEY LEARNING POINTS: * The detachment of a fragment of cementum is described as a cemental tear. * Cemental tears have been reported in the periodontal literature associated with localized, rapid periodontal breakdown. Common causative factors are aging and traumatic occlusion but the exact aetiology is unknown. * Trauma may be considered as a potential aetiologic factor for cemental tears in addition to occlusal traumatism and aging.