Clinical & Radiographic  features

Cementoblastoma, also known as true cementoma, is a rare benign neoplasm of cementoblasts that microscopically resembles an osteoblastoma but is connected or fused to the root of a tooth

 It occurs predominantly in the second and third decades of life, typically before 25 years of age. There is no gender predilection.

It is seen more often in the mandible than in the maxilla and more often in posterior than in anterior regions.

It is intimately associated with the root of a tooth, and the tooth remains vital.

Cementoblastoma may cause cortical expansion and, occasionally, low-grade intermittent pain.

Radiographically, this neoplasm is an opaque lesion that fused  rather than replaces the root of the tooth

 It usually is surrounded by a thick uniform radiolucent ring that is contiguous with the periodontal ligament space and the advancing front of the tumor.

Cementoblastoma key features

Benign fibro-osseous/cementum jaw lesion

Young adults, mandible> maxilla

Attached to and replaces tooth root

Periodontal ligament space surrounds lesion

Opaque mass; may rarely cause cortical expansion

Histologic features of osteoblastoma

Treatment: Attached to tooth;tooth removed with  full removal of lesion

No recurrence

Cementoblastoma is seen at the periapex of the left second mandibular molar. A radiolucent halo is apparent at the periphery of the lesion (arrows).