Cemental tear is defined as a fragment of the cementum separating from the underlying root surface1. The fragment may be completely, or only partially detached2. Cemental tearing is one of “the tooth-related issues that modify or predispose to periodontitis in new classification of periodontal disease”3-5. As this entity presents itself infrequently, it has been generally ignored by dental practitioners. There are a limited number of studies or case reports published on this subject, and most concentrate on clinical management, a few supported by histologic evidence. However, continuously reported clinical cases reflect the necessity of a comprehensive understanding of cemental tearing. Therefore, it would be meaningful to review the literature about cemental tear and emphasize its clinical implication. This article reviews cemental tear: prevalence, histologic findings, clinical characteristics, etiology, and treatment

Cemental tear is defined as a fragment of the cementum separating from the underlying root surface1. The fragment may be completely, or only partially detached2. Cemental tearing is one of “the tooth-related issues that modify or predispose to periodontitis in new classification of periodontal disease”3-5. As this entity presents itself infrequently, it has been generally ignored by dental practitioners. There are a limited number of studies or case reports published on this subject, and most concentrate on clinical management, a few supported by histologic evidence. However, continuously reported clinical cases reflect the necessity of a comprehensive understanding of cemental tearing. Therefore, it would be meaningful to review the literature about cemental tear and emphasize its clinical implication. This article reviews cemental tear: prevalence, histologic findings, clinical characteristics, etiology, and treatment