Tooth Anatomy
Enamel
Enamel
The hard, white, crystalized exterior of the tooth. Much like a turtle shell, the enamel protects the rest of the tooth from mechanical, chemical, and thermal changes that happen constantly throughout the day. The purpose of the enamel is to protect the more vital structures of the tooth while also serving as a strong structure to chew on. There are no nerves in the enamel so when there is decay or a fracture that is confined to this layer, the patient typically does not feel it.
The hard, white, crystalized exterior of the tooth. Much like a turtle shell, the enamel protects the rest of the tooth from mechanical, chemical, and thermal changes that happen constantly throughout the day. The purpose of the enamel is to protect the more vital structures of the tooth while also serving as a strong structure to chew on. There are no nerves in the enamel so when there is decay or a fracture that is confined to this layer, the patient typically does not feel it.
Dentin
Dentin
The softer, yellow, porous interior of the tooth. Dentin is made up of tubules (tube-like pores) that reach from the pulp to the border of the enamel and dentin. The purpose of dentin is to serve as a sensory system for the tooth. The tubules send information to the pulp about temperature, pH, and pressure so that the rest of the body can be alerted if there is a problem. Typically it is the dentin that is most effected by caries, and the sensory portion of this layer is the reason why many patients have a “toothache” with their cavity.
The softer, yellow, porous interior of the tooth. Dentin is made up of tubules (tube-like pores) that reach from the pulp to the border of the enamel and dentin. The purpose of dentin is to serve as a sensory system for the tooth. The tubules send information to the pulp about temperature, pH, and pressure so that the rest of the body can be alerted if there is a problem. Typically it is the dentin that is most effected by caries, and the sensory portion of this layer is the reason why many patients have a “toothache” with their cavity.
Pulp
Pulp
The innermost portion of the tooth. The pulp consists of blood vessels and nerves and serves as the nutrient and sensory portion of the tooth. The pulp is very sensitive to mechanical and chemical changes in the oral environment, so it is covered by 2 layers of tooth structure (enamel and dentin) to help protect it from pathogens and sensitive stimuli . The pulp is very susceptible to infection if left open to the bacteria of the oral cavity, so maintaining the enamel and dentin of the tooth is absolutely paramount to the health of the pulp.
The innermost portion of the tooth. The pulp consists of blood vessels and nerves and serves as the nutrient and sensory portion of the tooth. The pulp is very sensitive to mechanical and chemical changes in the oral environment, so it is covered by 2 layers of tooth structure (enamel and dentin) to help protect it from pathogens and sensitive stimuli . The pulp is very susceptible to infection if left open to the bacteria of the oral cavity, so maintaining the enamel and dentin of the tooth is absolutely paramount to the health of the pulp.
Tooth Root
Tooth Root
The roots of each tooth have a few functions including shock absorption, stabilization, alignment of the tooth, and they serve as a housing system for softer vital structures such as nerves and blood vessels. The anatomy of the root is tapered from the crown to the apex. The main purpose of this shape is to give the crown plenty of support while also maintaining the smallest possible tooth socket to be surrounded by normal bone structure. If exposed to the oral environment, the root structure has a strong tendency to become sensitive and even decayed as a result of it not being as hard and protective as enamel.
The roots of each tooth have a few functions including shock absorption, stabilization, alignment of the tooth, and they serve as a housing system for softer vital structures such as nerves and blood vessels. The anatomy of the root is tapered from the crown to the apex. The main purpose of this shape is to give the crown plenty of support while also maintaining the smallest possible tooth socket to be surrounded by normal bone structure. If exposed to the oral environment, the root structure has a strong tendency to become sensitive and even decayed as a result of it not being as hard and protective as enamel.
Cementum and PDL
Cementum and PDL
This layer of cells is found on the root surface of the tooth. The cementum acts as an attachment site for the PDL (periodontal ligament) which is a collection on fibers holding the tooth in place. The PDL also serves as a shock absorber for instances when we bite down on something hard or our teeth bite together harder than usual.
This layer of cells is found on the root surface of the tooth. The cementum acts as an attachment site for the PDL (periodontal ligament) which is a collection on fibers holding the tooth in place. The PDL also serves as a shock absorber for instances when we bite down on something hard or our teeth bite together harder than usual.
Gingiva
Gingiva
Also called "gums". This soft tissue layer sits on top of the jaw bone and surrounds the teeth. The function of this tissue is to provide support for the tooth, and protection for the underlying bone. The gingiva is soft, so many times if it is brushed too aggressively, it can recede (as pictured to the left), exposing root structures to the oral environment. This exposed tissue is often sensitive to temperature changes and can be more prone to decay.
Also called "gums". This soft tissue layer sits on top of the jaw bone and surrounds the teeth. The function of this tissue is to provide support for the tooth, and protection for the underlying bone. The gingiva is soft, so many times if it is brushed too aggressively, it can recede (as pictured to the left), exposing root structures to the oral environment. This exposed tissue is often sensitive to temperature changes and can be more prone to decay.
This information is meant solely for informational purposes and not as medical or dental advice. Please consult your physician before any dental procedures.