What role does cementum play in attaching a tooth to its socket?

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A labeled cross section illustration of an adult human molar shows the tooth's crown and root, with layers including enamel, dentin, and pulp, as well as gum, cementum, blood vessels, periodontal ligament, lateral canals, and nerve. — tooth Cross section of an adult human molar.

Cementum is a thin, bonelike layer that covers the roots of teeth. Its primary role in attaching a tooth to its socket is to serve as an anchor point for the periodontal membrane. The fibers of this membrane are embedded directly into the cementum, effectively securing the tooth within the jawbone.1

As an animal ages, the deposition of new cementum continues, which helps maintain proper bite alignment by allowing the tooth to adjust its position within the socket as the crown wears down.1