Do you wonder what your dentist is referring to when he or she is discussing different parts of your teeth? Teeth are made up of multiple layers. These layers differ depending on the parts of the teeth. Let’s look at the basics of tooth anatomy to help better understand the parts of your teeth.
Enamel
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It covers the crown portion of the tooth. Unfortunately, once damaged, enamel cannot regenerate.
Dentin
Dentin is the layer under the enamel. It is yellow in color and becomes denser and darker with age. Dentin also wears seven times faster than enamel.
Pulp
The pulp is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues, all of which keep the tooth alive.
Cementum
Cementum is the outer layer of the root portion of the tooth.
Periodontal Membrane
Also called the periodontal ligament, the periodontal membrane is the tissue between the tooth and the tooth socket.
Crown
The crown portion of the tooth is the area covered by enamel.
Root
The root is the lower two-thirds portion of the tooth that extends into the bone and holds the tooth in place.
We hope that this basic lesson in tooth anatomy is helpful. Please call us at 919.866.1360 with any dental questions you have-we are always happy to help in any way we can! You may also reach us online by clicking here. You may ask questions or also schedule appointments through our website.