A new look at the etiology and pathogenesis of early-onset periodontitis. Cementopathia revisited.

For more than 20 years, investigators have unanimously agreed that human periodontitis is caused by bacterial colonization of the surfaces of the teeth and their extension apically. Recently, several investigators have demonstrated that most, if not all, individuals manifesting the early-onset, aggressive forms of periodontitis have abnormalities in their peripheral blood phagocytes which can be detected as abnormal cell motility or adherence. Because of the major role of these cells, especially the neutrophilic granulocytes, in host defense against the microbial onslaught at the gingival sulcus, these leukocyte abnormalities have been considered to be the major determinant of susceptibility to microbial infection and invasion of the periodontal tissues. In recent years the possibility that other etiologies may be involved has not been seriously considered. The purpose of the present communication is to focus attention on the idea that factors other than bacteria and host defense mechanisms may be of significance. We specifically want to call attention to a potentially important role for root cementum.