Have you ever wondered what a tooth is made of? What are its different parts, the names of those parts, and where are they located in the tooth? If you’ve asked any of these questions, then read this brief overview of the different parts of a tooth, where they are, and what they do.
Crown
The part of the tooth above the gums.
Root
The part of the tooth beneath the gums.
Neck
Where the crown and root meet.
Enamel
The calcified covering that protects the tooth. It is also the hardest tissue in the body.
Cementum
The hard, connective tissue that covers the tooth root.
Dentin
The tissue that makes up most of the tooth and contains canals sensitive to heat and cold.
Pulp
The nerves, blood vessels, and other soft tissues inside the tooth.
Pulp Chamber
Where most of the pulp is located at the center of the tooth.
Root Canal
Where the pulp extends down the root of the tooth.
Periodontal Ligament
Tissue that anchors the tooth to the jawbone and absorbs impact forces like chewing.
Gums
Also known as gingiva, this soft tissue supports the tooth.
Jawbone
Also known as the alveolar bone, it contains sockets that hold teeth.