The Tooth, The Whole Tooth, and Nothing But The Tooth: A Breakdown of Tooth Anatomy

Do you know the whole tooth? Didn’t think so! Tooth anatomy is complex and your chompers play an important role in your day-to-day quality of life. Just ask anyone who’s had to replace their teeth with a full set of dentures... Despite their importance, many people take their teeth for granted: more than one in four adults in the United States live with untreated tooth decay.

Your teeth are there for so much more than just chewing—they give structure to the jaw, provide tissue support, and are essential to forming words. If it’s been a while since high school science class, here’s a short and sweet rundown of tooth anatomy.

Parts of a Tooth

In simplest terms, the tooth is made up of three distinct parts: the root, the neck, and the crown.

Root

The root, making up approximately two-thirds of the tooth, is the largest part. It primarily exists below the gum line, acting as an anchor to hold the tooth in place. The root has several different components within it:

• Cementum: Also known colloquially as cement, this bone-like tissue encases the root. It works together with the periodontal ligament to anchor the tooth to its socket.
• Nerves and blood vessels: Nerves connecting the tooth to the jaw control chewing force, while blood vessels supply nutrients to the periodontal ligament.
• Root canal: This is a corridor running through the root that contains pulp (blood and nervous tissue).
• Periodontal ligament: This tough ligament, connected to the cementum, also houses nerves and blood vessels, and helps hold teeth in place.

Neck

The neck, also referred to as the dental cervix, is a dividing area where the crown meets the root. It has two main parts:

• Gums: Gums are connective tissue attached to the cementum and the neck of the tooth. The gums form a tight seal around the tooth, keeping it in place while protecting against bacteria.
• Pulp Cavity: As the name implies, this is an internal space stretching into the crown that houses pulp—a collection of blood and nervous tissue.

Crown

The crown is the visible part of the tooth, and what most people are immediately familiar with. The crown consists of:

• Anatomical Crown: This is the uppermost and only visible part of the tooth.
• Enamel: This is the hardest tissue in your body. The enamel acts as an outer barrier to protect the tooth from bacteria and the pressure of chewing. However, since enamel contains no living cells, it cannot repair itself from damage. As such, only dentists can correct enamel damage.
• Dentin: Dentin is the layer of tissue located directly under the enamel, to protect the tooth from heat and cold. When enamel wears away and exposes the dentin, acidic or cold food can stimulate the nerves, causing discomfort.

Types of Teeth

Not every tooth has the same exact shape. While all teeth have the same general structural components, you have a variety of different types of teeth, each with their own specialized purpose.

• Incisors: Your front-most teeth, for example, are called incisors. The incisors have a wide, chisel-shaped appearance, and are designed to help clamp down on and cut up food. These are usually the first teeth to appear in young children.
• Canines: Just after your incisors come the canine teeth. Also sometimes referred to as eyeteeth, canines take their name because their pointy shape resembles dog fangs. As such, their purpose is to grasp and tear food apart.
• Molars: Moving further back yet, one finds the premolars and molars. The premolars are transitional teeth, guiding food down from the canines backwards through the mouth. Each premolar has two points that help you grind and mash food. They are then followed by the molars, which are our largest teeth and are strong enough to withstand the force of chewing and grinding food. Molars have multiple points on their surface to help process bolus. Most adults have 12 molars.

How Many Sets of Teeth?

The average human will go through two sets of teeth in their life—one transitional in their youth, and then another permanent set in adulthood.

The first set is known variously as children’s, baby, milk, or primary teeth. They are temporary, destined to be replaced by a permanent set. Until then, however, they help young children chew food, shape the way their jaw grows, and assist in the forming of their first words. This first set consists of 20 teeth, divided into four incisors, two canines, and four molars in each jaw.

Sometime between the ages of six and twelve, these begin falling out, supplanted by so-called permanent or secondary teeth. This set contains 32 teeth—four incisors, two canines, four premolars, and six molars in each jaw. Adult teeth are larger, less pointed, and more resistant to wear and tear than their younger counterparts.

The final four teeth to emerge are called wisdom teeth. These are a set of four molars that erupt in the furthest corners of your mouth. While once useful, human diets have evolved in such a way that jaws are becoming smaller, and wisdom teeth are no longer functionally necessary. As such, many people experience intense discomfort when these teeth break through the gum line, and often have them removed.

Common Painful Tooth Conditions

While our teeth are essential, and some of the strongest parts of our bodies, they also require a good bit of care to stay in tip-top shape. Any number of chronic conditions can impact the integrity of your teeth, such as:

• Cavities: Cavities are holes formed by a prolonged buildup of acid and bacteria on a tooth’s surface. Cavities can cause sensitivity, infection, pain, and even tooth loss if left untreated and allowed to bore deeper into the tooth. Proper dental hygiene, including dentist appointments, is important to prevent cavities.
• Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth is the most common type of dental injury, as it can be caused by sudden accidents both big and small. Treatments include dental crowns, resin bonding, or even a root canal followed by a veneer.
• Cold Sensitivity: If you notice cold food begins causing discomfort, then you may have developed cold sensitivity. Cold sensitivity is usually symptomatic of an underlying problem. To resolve this, a dentist would first need to find the cause of the sensitivity, which may include cavities, worn enamel, gum disease, exposed roots, or fractured teeth. Depending on the cause, treatment may include a filling, root canal, or gum treatment.
• Impacted Tooth: An impacted tooth occurs when the mouth is overcrowded and there isn’t enough space for a new tooth to emerge. As such, the standard treatment is to just remove the problem tooth.
• Gum Disease: Gum problems come in several forms, including bleeding, tenderness, or pulling away from the teeth. These symptoms are usually caused by plaque buildup. Avoid gum disease by constantly practicing proper dental hygiene, such as brushing, flossing, and making regular visits to the dentist.

Don’t Take Teeth for Granted: Visit a Dentist

It’s important to take dental health seriously, and the best care begins at home. Proper dental care includes regular brushing, flossing, antibacterial rinsing, and regular visits to the dentist. If you suspect you may be developing a condition in need of treatment, it’s important to consult with a dentist right away so that the issue does not worsen.

But all is not lost should your teeth need replacement. The best restorative dentists work with the best products and treatment modalities available, which is why Sterngold has been the partner of choice for dentists and clinics since 1897. A leader in the art of restorative dentistry, Sterngold provides products to dentists and dental lab technicians to help them restore a beautiful smile. Check to see if your dentist uses Sterngold products today!