A tooth is a lot more complicated than just the hard enamel exterior. Most of us don’t really know the components of a tooth or what each part does. Understanding the anatomy of a tooth and how the parts work together is an important part of your general dental health.
Working from the top down and from the outside in, this is the anatomy of a tooth:
The Crown
The first part of the anatomy of a tooth is the crown. The crown is the only part of the tooth that is normally visible and is covered by the enamel. This mineralized tissue is one of the hardest substances in the human body. However, it is not indestructible. Although it is extremely hard, it is also brittle. The enamel can be chipped, cracked or broken and can suffer decay if not properly cleaned and cared for.
The Dentin
The second part of the anatomy of a tooth is the enamel. Beneath the enamel is the dentin. This tissue makes up the bulk of the tooth. These living cells make up the hard tissue beneath the enamel and contain microscopic tubes. These tubes lead to the tooth’s pulp, so when the enamel of the tooth is damaged, the dentin loses its protection. This allows heat and cold to travel to the nerve of the tooth.The resulting pain is often an indication that the affected tooth needs attention in order to prevent further damage.
The Root
The root is the portion of the tooth that extends below the gum line and into the bone. The periodontal ligament helps to attach the root securely to the gum and into the jawbone. The root comprises roughly two-thirds of the tooth and is covered by connective tissue called the cementum. The root anchors the tooth in place and contains the pulp chamber. The pulp is the soft tissue that holds the blood vessels and nerves of the tooth. When decay reaches the nerves in the pulp, a root canal is often necessary to remove the resulting infection and seal the damaged tooth against further decay.
Now that you know the anatomy of a tooth, you have a better understanding of how important it is to keep your teeth strong! Brushing and flossing daily and attending regularly scheduled dental visits at James River Family Dentistry will keep all the parts of your teeth healthy and minimize the amount of time you spend getting your teeth treated for cavities.
If it’s time for your next appointment, contact us online. We can’t wait to see you!