Prevalence, Classification and Factors Associated With Cemental Tears-A Retrospective Observational Cross-Sectional Study in a Postgraduate Endodontic Clinic.

Introduction: There is a lack of epidemiology studies on cemental tears. This study aimed to (i) investigate the prevalence of cemental tears among the patients referred to a Postgraduate Endodontic Clinic, (ii) classify the cases diagnosed with cemental tears, and (iii) assess factors associated with cemental tears.

Materials and methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 445 cases/teeth recruited between 1 September 2019 and 31 March 2024 at a University Postgraduate Endodontic Clinic. Information was collated from the clinical records of case history, clinical findings and radiographic interpretations from periapical radiograph (PR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. For each case/tooth, cemental tear/s were categorised as either absent or present, and those with cemental tear/s were further classified. Thirty potential factors were studied, including patient-, jaw-, tooth-, previous endodontic treatment and periodontal-related factors. Factors were individually tested using univariate analysis with Pearson chi-squared (exact) tests. Any significant factors identified were further subjected to multiple logistic regression analyses based on a forward stepwise regression model (p < 0.05).

Results: Cemental tear/s were found in 25 out of 445 cases/teeth, with a prevalence of 5.6%. Sensitivity and specificity of PR in detecting cemental tears were 0.6 and 1.0, respectively. Most cases/teeth detected were classified as Class 2 and 4 (n = 19, 76%) or Stage C and D (n = 19, 76%). Mean age of the subjects with cemental tears was 58.7 years, with comparable prevalence between males and females. Most cases (72%) with cemental tear/s had root canal treatment initiated or completed. Incisors, increased tooth mobility, severe crestal bone loss and adequate root filling quality were significantly associated with the higher prevalence of cemental tears (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Cemental tears should always be considered as a differential diagnosis in endodontic practice. Clinicians should be particularly vigilant for increased risks of cemental tears in incisors, mobile teeth, teeth exhibiting increased crestal bone loss and those with adequately filled root canals, as they may be misdiagnosed as periodontal-endodontic lesions. The use of CBCT is crucial for accurate diagnosis, guiding effective treatment planning and improving clinical outcomes in endodontic management.