There is much more to a tooth than what you just see in your mouth. The tooth is the hardest substance in the human body and is not only important for the breakdown of food, but also plays a key role in speech formation and development.
Did you know that an Adult has 32 teeth, while a Child (6 and under) has 20 teeth?
The Structure of a Tooth
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Here are some on the main parts of a tooth:
Enamel: Most Mineralized substance in the body. It is white, shiny covering that you see when you open you mouth. It protects your tooth from the wear and tear of chewing.
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Dentin: The second layer of the tooth. The bone-like substance is found under the enamel and cementum. Made of living cells that secrete a hard-mineral substance that is more denser and harder than bone. Dentin also gives the tooth its color. To change the color of the tooth, the dentin must be altered.
Pulp and Pulp Cavity: The soft center of the tooth. The pulp cavity contains the blood vessels and nerves that nourish the Dentin.
Cementum: A layer of connective tissue that helps to keep the tooth in place. Contains the Periodontal ligament.
Periodontal Membrane: Fleshy tissue that holds the tooth firmly in the jawbone. Contains blood vessels and sensory nerve endings.
Think you are an expert? Try the Dental Anatomy Quiz.
Dr. C. Samuel Graham Jr., DDS and Associates has been providing excellent dental care to the Atlanta and Lawrenceville Area for over 30 years. We offer a variety of services including Crowns, Hygiene Cleanings, Root Canals, Invisalign, and Implants. csgrahamdentistry.com
