Teeth are supported by several layers of tissue, each with a specific job that protects, nourishes, and anchors the tooth.
Teeth are supported by several layers of tissue. Each layer has a specific function, from protecting the tooth's outside surface to anchoring the root in the jawbone.
The outermost layer of the tooth is enamel. It is the hardest and most mineralized tissue in the body. Enamel is a transparent white substance that protects the tooth and helps maintain its shape. It is composed of tightly packed crystals of hydroxyapatite.
Dentin lies underneath the enamel and makes up the majority of the tooth. It is a hard yellow substance that is less mineralized than enamel and more porous. Dentin is formed by cells called odontoblasts and is responsible for the yellow color of teeth.
The pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth. It is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. It sits in the center of the tooth and extends from the crown, the visible part of the tooth, down to the root. The pulp nourishes and protects the tooth and is essential for its survival.
Cementum is a thin layer of tissue that covers the root of the tooth. It is a hard, calcified substance that helps anchor the tooth in the jawbone. Cementum is formed by cells called cementoblasts and is essential for maintaining tooth stability.
The periodontal ligament is a thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds the tooth and helps support it in the jawbone. Its fibers attach the cementum of the tooth to the alveolar bone of the jaw. The ligament absorbs shock and allows slight tooth movement, which is needed for normal chewing and biting.
