Anatomy of a Tooth

This 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.