Case Study: Cementoblastoma

Case Study: Cementoblastoma
By: Dr. Marcel Noujeim DDS MS
Cementoblastomas are rare odontogenic tumors, they represent less than 1% of all odontogenic tumors. More
than 75% of cases are noted in the mandible, with 90% in the molar and premolar region. Almost 50% involve
the first permanent molar. They can rarely affect primary teeth. There is no significant sex predilection. The
neoplasm occurs predominantly in children and young adults, with about 50% before the age of 20 years and
75% before the age of 30 years. Pain and swelling are present in about two thirds of reported cases.
Usually considered as innocuous lesion, but some cementoblastomas present with signs of locally aggressive
behavior such as bony expansion, cortical erosion, displacement of adjacent teeth, envelopment of multiple
adjacent teeth, maxillary sinus involvement, and infiltration into the pulp chamber and root canals.
Radiographically, the tumor appears as a high density mass fused to one or more roots and surrounded by a
thin radiolucent rim. The outline of the root or roots of the involved tooth is usually obscured as a result of
root resorption and fusion of the tumor with the tooth.
Green arrow: Cementoblastoma
Yellow arrow: Root resorption
Red arrow: Mandibular canal
About Dr. Noujeim
Dr. Marcel Noujeim is an Associate Professor, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (OMFR), Department of
Comprehensive Dentistry. Dr. Noujeim received his dental degree and two specialty degrees in oral biology and
maxillofacial radiology from the Lebanese University, School of Dentistry in Beirut. He began teaching dental radiology in
September 1990 at the Lebanese University, School of Dentistry in Beirut and was appointed as division head from 1999
until 2002. In 2003, he moved to the United States where he finished a Master of Science (MS) degree in Dental
Diagnostic Science (OMFR) from UTHSCSA Dental School in 2006.
He has given many presentations and continuing education courses at national and international meetings and has
authored numerous articles and abstracts in national and international journals. Dr. Noujeim was the recipient of two
awards given by the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and the International Association of
Dentomaxillofacial Radiology in 2005 recognizing him as being one of the best promising junior faculty/dental radiology
educators. He has a US patent for an invention permitting the repositioning of CT data for comparison of minor bone
changes.