Share of Cost – The Four Parts of Your Tooth
Each tooth in the mouth contains four different tissues, each has a different function. Your teeth are made up of two major parts: the crown and the root. The crown of the tooth is what is visible in your mouth. The root of the tooth is the portion which normally not visible in your mouth and is anchored within the bone. Within each tooth, the four different tissues that are present are the enamel, the dentin, the pulp and the cementum.
- Enamel: The tooth enamel makes up the protective outer surface of the crown of the tooth.
- Dentin: Dentin makes up the majority of the inner surface of the tooth. It can’t normally be seen except on x-rays.
- Pulp: The pulp is the area inside the tooth that holds the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth. It is in the center of the tooth and is in both the crown and the root of the tooth.
- Cementum: Makes up the outer surface of the root of the tooth, and it is much softer than enamel.