Tooth Anatomy

The tooth has a crown and a root connected via a constricted area known as the neck.

The crown is visible above the gingivae and is protected by enamel.

The root of the tooth resides within the jawbone, and interestingly, the number of roots varies among different types of teeth.

Incisors, canines, and lower premolars have single roots. The upper premolars and the first two lower molars generally have two roots, while the upper molars typically have three.

The cementum, a calcified connective tissue, covers the root, securing the tooth to the periodontal ligament.

The majority of the tooth's internal space is filled with dentin, which is protein-rich and made up of extremely hard calcified connective tissue.

Dentin encapsulates the pulp cavity containing soft connective tissue, which extends into the root, forming the root canal. Dentin has radial striations known as dentinal tubules that house processes of odontoblasts, which secrete and maintain dentin.

Proximally, the root canal connects to an opening called the apical foramen, through which the tooth receives its nerve and blood supply.