MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Tooth anatomy

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Tooth anatomy

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Illustrations	Information

Illustrations

Tooth anatomy

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The visible portion of the tooth is the crown. The outer surface of the crown is made of enamel. Just beneath the enamel is dentin, a substance harder than bone. The gum surrounds the base of the tooth.

The root of the tooth extends down into the jaw bone and provides circulation and sensation to the tooth. The root contains blood vessels and nerves, which supply circulation and sensation to the entire tooth. The area is known as the "pulp" of the tooth.

The jaw bone contains all the teeth and provides stability and mobility for the mouth and teeth for chewing. The lower jaw bone is called the mandible and the upper jaw bone is called the maxilla.

Update Date: 8/8/2007

Updated by: Michael Kapner, D.D.S., General and Cosmetic Dentistry, New Rochelle, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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