In our last blog, we discussed the different types of teeth, and what purposes they serve beyond just chewing food. We believe that education is one of the most powerful preventative tools when it comes to your oral health. This week, we wanted to narrow the focus and discuss the anatomy of individual tooth.
At the office of Robert Rosenfeld DDS, we’re proud to provide a variety of dental services to those around Solana Beach, CA. With Dr. Rosenfeld and his experienced team, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands when it comes to all things dental. Further, we believe that dental education plays a big role in maintaining proper oral health. Call our Solana Beach office today if you’re interested in our dental services! Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about the different parts of the teeth!
Different Parts of the Teeth
- Enamel: The enamel is the outermost layer of the teeth. It’s a highly mineralized protective layer that serves to protect the sensitive interior of the teeth. While the enamel is the strongest part of a tooth, it’s not impervious to decay. So protecting the enamel is essential. Often sealants are recommended for our adolescent patients. This fills in the nooks and crannies on the biting surface to sealant decay producing bacteria.
- Dentin: The dentin is the layer just under the enamel. It is not so mineralized. Consequently when decay penetrates the enamel and gets to the dentin the decay spreads more rapidly.
- Pulp: The pulp is located in the center of a tooth. The pulp is mostly made up of blood vessels and nerve tissue. When bacteria reach the pulp, a root canal is typically needed.
- Crown: The crown is the visible portion of the tooth above the gumline. Surprisingly, the crown only makes up one-third of the entire tooth. The crown differs in shape based on its location in the mouth.
- Root: The root of the tooth is the two-thirds of a tooth that rests below the gumline. The root is surrounded by a ligament that let’s you know how hard you are contacting your teeth. This is a very precise system that allows you to crush through the hard shell of an M&M but glide through the milk chocolate.
- Gumline: The gumline is the the point where the gums meet the crown of a tooth. The gumline is extremely important to your oral health. Without frequent brushing and flossing, plaque and bacteria can settle beneath the gumline and lead to early forms of gum disease.
Your Solana Beach Dentist
If you’re seeking dental care around Solana Beach, CA, look no further than Robert Rosenfeld DDS! Call us today at 858-755-1189 to schedule a consultation! You can also contact us here.