Electron probe analysis of cementum surfaces.

The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of certain inorganic elements in various cementum surfaces. The electron probe analysis appears to be the most suitable technique for examining elemental composition within localized small areas of mineralized tissue, it was used to determine the mineral contents of nondiseased, periodontally diseased and root planing applied diseased cementum surfaces were determined by electron probe. Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) were the elements searched for. Surface morphological features of these cementum surfaces were also examined. Electron probe analysis indicated an elevated Ca and P content in diseased cementum surfaces. Root planing of these surfaces did not reduce the mineral contents of these root surfaces. Our findings indicate that on the cementum surfaces affected by periodontal disease inorganic contents were altered and the hypermineralized layer in diseased cementum may play a role in preventing total diseased cementum removal by root planing.