The Anatomy of a Tooth

cross-section of the human teethThis illustration shows the anatomy of a tooth and gums as well as the supporting structures that surround a tooth.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS:

Blood vessels
carry nutrients to the tooth.
Bone
alveolar bone forms the tooth socket and provides it with support.
Cementum
the layer of hard bone-like tissue covering the root of the tooth.
Cemento-enamel junction
the line where the enamel and cementum meet.
Dentin
the hard yellow tissue underlying the enamel and cementum, making up the main bulk of the tooth.
Enamel
the hard, white outer layer of the tooth.
Gingiva
the gum tissue surrounding the tooth.
Ligament
the connective tissue that surrounds the tooth and connects it to bone.
Nerves
relay signals such as pain to and from your brain.
Pulp
located in the center of the tooth, it contains the arteries, veins and nerves.
Root canal
canal in the root of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels travel through.