Tooth Anatomy

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.