The anatomy of your teeth is something many people don’t think about and don’t think to ever look at. Here at Pell City Dental, we think it’s important you have a more in-depth understanding of your tooth’s anatomy along with the emphasis of taking care of your smile (especially when it comes to brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist biannually for an exam). Parts of your teeth include the following:
– Enamel is the calcified tissue covering dentin in the crown of your tooth. Since it doesn’t contain living cells, tooth enamel cannot be repair itself after damage from decay or from wear. Your dentist can fix it with treatment.
– Dentin is the part of the tooth beneath enamel and cementum. It contains microscopic tubules, and when dentin loses its protective covering (tooth enamel), the tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to stimulate the nerves and cells inside the tooth, causing sensitivity and possible infections.
– The crown is the top, visible part of your tooth, normally covered by enamel.
– The area where the crown joins the root is called the neck.
– Roots are the part of the tooth embedded in bone. The root makes up about two-thirds of the tooth and holds the tooth in place.
– Gums (also known as gingiva) are soft tissues covering and protecting the roots of your teeth. They cover teeth that have not yet erupted.
Visit your dentist at Pell City Dental in Pell City, Alabama, to get the best dental care for you and your teeth. Call our dental professionals at 205-473-0044 to make an appointment or set up a consultation today!
