Atypical hypercementosis versus cementoblastoma.

Hypercementosis is a non-neoplastic condition in which excessive cementum is deposited in continuation with the normal radicular cementum. Apart from the idiopathic nature of hypercementosis, this condition is associated with several local and systemic factors. Cementoblastoma is an odontogenic tumour characterized by the proliferation of functional cementoblasts that form a large mass of cementum or cementum-like tissue on the tooth root. Although hypercementosis and cementoblastoma are typical conditions with distinct clinical evolution, atypical cases may challenge their diagnosis. Because cementoblastoma is a neoplasm with unlimited growth potential, the usual treatment is complete surgical resection, whilst conservative treatment is recommended for hypercementosis. An atypical case of hypercementosis with similarities to cementoblastoma is reported and its differential diagnosis is discussed.