As dentists, we frequently see patients who are inquisitive about their teeth–what teeth are made of, how they function, and why teeth are so much more than “looks.” Teeth are much more than things to chew on–they are complex biological structures and play a major role in oral and overall health. With the help of our friends  at Granville station dental we’ll break down the composition of teeth in a simple but complete way that patients, and even dental professionals, can understand.

The architecture of a tooth is like that of a house:

Teeth come in both soft and hard living tissues. It has two main parts which include:

• Root: The root  is the portion that is located within the jaw bone and its main job is to hold the teeth firmly in place.
• Crown: This is the portion of the tooth that can be observed above the gum line.

These components are composed of four basic tissues which are ‘Enamel’ ‘Dentin’ ‘Cement’ and ‘Pulp’. Each of these serves a specific purpose in keeping the tooth stable, sensitive, and strong.

1.Enamel: 

• Composition: Enamel is about 96% minerals (85% hydroxyapatite: crystalline calcium phosphate), 3% water, and 1% organic material.
• Protect: Enamel protects the tooth from damage inflicted by the forces from biting and chewing as well as exposure to acidic foods.
• Characteristics: Dental enamel varies in thickness, and is somewhat translucent. Unlike the other body tissues, it can not self heal after damage, thus oral hygiene and fluoride intakes are paramount for its maintenance.

2. Dentin: The Sensitive Core Beneath

Dentin lies beneath the enamel and cementum, composing a large part of the tooth structure. It is not as hard as enamel but has more give.

• Composition: 70% mineral (hydroxyapatite), 20% organic stuff (collagen), 10% water.
• Function: It supports the enamel and transmits nerve signals through microscopic tubes that connect to the pulp.
• Sensitivity: Dentin gets exposed when enamel wears down or gums pull back―it means teeth become sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet things.

3. Cementum: Anchoring the Root

Cementum is a hard, bone-like/calcified substance that covers the root of teeth. It’s kind of a glue that anchors your tooth to your jaw. Strong fibers connect it to the surrounding bone. Cementum is made from a combination of protein, minerals, and water. This combination enables it to firmly anchor your tooth as well as protecting it from the stress of chewing.

• Composition: Cementum is a mixture of approximately 50–55% organic (collagen and non-collagenous proteins) and 45–50% inorganic (mainly hydroxyapatite) material with contents of water.
•  Types: There are 2 types of cementum; cellular and acellular—cellular cementum contains living cells and exists more so at the apex of the root; and acellular cementum is located more at the periphery or closer to the gum line. Cementum, which is a little softer than enamel, is actually softer than dentin as well, and more prone to erosion and dysfunction (especially after a recession of the gums).

4.Pulp:The Living Tissues Inside

The pulp is the inside part of the tooth that has nerves and blood vessels. It plays important roles both in tooth development, as well as throughout life as a source of nutrients. 

• Structure: Made up of connective tissues, nerves and blood vessels. Function: Dentin nutrition, stimulus reaction, pain mediation 
• Anatomy: The pulp has two parts — the pulp chamber (located in the crown) and the root canals (which extend into the roots). 
• Anytime the  pulp is exposed as a result of trauma ,inflammation or decay infection can  find its way leading ,in most cases to root canal therapy in order to retain the tooth.

Additional Tooth Components

Alveolar Bone

Specifically, this is the portion of the jawbone that holds the tooth sockets. Like other bones, it is constantly being remodeled and responds to pressure from chewing, as well as orthodontic treatment.

Periodontal Ligament

Periodontal Ligament Although not a structure of the tooth per se, the periodontal ligament is important for tooth function. That connects the cementum to the alveolar bone, acting as a shock absorber and helping to stabilize the teeth.

Types of Teeth and Their Function

Humans have 32 permanent teeth (including the wisdom teeth), which can be divided into four separate categories: incisors (for cutting food)canines (for tearing food)premolars (for crushing food)molars (for grinding food).Although all teeth have the same basic anatomy, they differ in size, shape, and the number of roots due to their function.

Tooth Formation and Eruption

Starting in the womb, teeth erupt as follows:

• Primary (deciduous) teeth: Will erupt from the age of 6 months until 3 years old. 
• Permanent teeth: Will begin to replace baby teeth around age 6 and proceed into young adulthood.  

Before eruption, enamel and dentin will be formed, while the pulp is crucial in the development of these hard structures.

Common Dental Issues 

Knowledge of tooth anatomy is essential in accurately diagnosing dental disorders and providing appropriate solutions. For example, tooth decay can start with demineralization of the enamel, and gradually move into dentin and pulp, leading to pain or an infection. Exposed dentin is a common etiology of tooth sensitivity and generally occurs through an erosion of enamel or marginal retraction of gum tissue.

When the pulp structure becomes inflamed, it is called pulpitis and may be the result of extensive decay, damage to the tooth, or from a tooth with a crack. “Root canal therapy is necessary when decay or trauma reaches the pulp or living tissue of the tooth,” notes Dr. Ken Phillips. “Similarly, the procedure might be required if the periodontal disease progresses to the bone and ligament levels, where it threatens the entire foundation of the tooth. This is why early intervention is vital.”

Final Words

Each section of a tooth, from its hard outer layer of enamel to the soft, sensitive pulp in the core, serves a separate function to promote function and health. Healthy teeth require good oral hygiene, regular visits to your dentist and an understanding of your anatomy. Informed patients who know what their teeth are made from tend to take action to keep them for as long as possible.

Stay updated, free dental videos. Join our Telegram channel

Join