cementicle cementicle a cementicle is a small, spherical or ovoid calcified mass embedded within or attached to the cementum layer on the root surface of a tooth, or lying free within the periodontal ligament. they tend to occur in elderly individuals. cementiclespecialtydentistry there are 3 types: free cementicle – not attached to cementum attached (sessile) cementicle – attached to the cementum surface (also termed exocementosis) embedded (interstitial) cementicle – with advancing age the cementum thickens, and the cementicle may become incorporated into the cementum layer they may be visible on a radiograph (x-ray). they may appear singly or in groups, and are most commonly found at the tip of the root. their size is variable, but generally they are small (about 0.2 mm – 0.3 mm in diameter). cementicles are usually acellular, and may contain either fibrillar or afibrillar cementum, or a mixture of both. cementicles are the result of dystrophic calcification, but the reason why this takes place is unclear. cementicles are thought to form when calcification occurs around a nidus, a precipitating center. around this nidus they slowly enlarge by further deposition of calcium salts. examples of how cementicles are thought to form include: calcification due to degenerative changes in the epithelial cell rests of malassez calcification of thrombosed (blocked) capillaries in the periodontal ligament (i.e. a phlebolith) microtrauma to sharpey's fibres causes small spicules of cementum or alveolar bone to splinter into the periodontal membrane some do not consider these as true cementicles.