title: The CEJ: a biofilm and calculus trap.
abstract: There is a direct correlation between increasing periodontal probing depth and increasing presence of residual biofilms and calculus. One of the more common areas to find postscaling and root-planing residual biofilm and calculus is the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ)--an area that in most cases is easily accessible. Yet few studies have addressed the question of why the CEJ is a potential biofilm and calculus trap. This article discusses the various anatomical relationships of enamel, dentin, and cementum at the CEJ, the role of CEJ anatomy in the retention of biofilm (with SEM photographs as supporting evidence), and the biological and clinical implications of subgingival residual biofilm and calculus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
authors.forename: Keerthana
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Satheesh
authors.forename: Simon R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: MacNeill
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Rapley
authors.forename: Charles M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Cobb
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D003728:Dental Calculus / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D003739:Dental Cementum / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D003804:Dentin / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D019237:Tooth Cervix / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*