Tooth Anatomy

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Have you ever gone to the dentist and the dentist tries to explain to you the treatment that you need and when you listen to the explanation, you still felt as though you really do not understand the treatment? You are not alone. Often times, the dentist seems to forget that patients do not always know exactly what the crown of a tooth is, the enamel, dentin, or pulp tissue and the role these parts play in the overall anatomy of a tooth.

The following is a brief explanation of the different layers of a tooth and the function of each layer so that you can get a better understanding of exactly what it is your dentist or hygienist is talking about when they try to explain your dental treatment.

Crown:
The crown is the outermost layer of your tooth. It is made of a hard substance called enamel. When you look inside your mouth, the crown is the only visible part of your tooth.

Enamel:
Enamel is a very hard substance that protects the rest of the tooth from harmful bacteria or injury. This is the layer of your tooth that is used for chewing, grinding, and crushing of food.

Dentin:
Dentin is a bone-like substance that lies just under the enamel and protects the nerve of the tooth. Dentin acts like a cushion between the hard enamel and the soft, sensitive nerve. This layer is responsible for the color of your tooth.

Pulp cavity:
The pulp cavity is home to the innermost layer of the tooth called the pulp. The pulp, commonly referred to as the nerve, is made up of blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves. This layer of the tooth is very soft, sensitive, and it provides blood and nutrients to the rest of the tooth.

Root:
The root of the tooth is what holds the tooth into the jawbone. A tooth can have anywhere from one root, (your front teeth), to four roots, (your back teeth). Inside of the root, is a layer called the root canal. This is where the nerves and blood vessels travel through from the jawbone to supply the pulp with nutrients.