Tooth anatomy
Definition
Alternative Names
Information
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.
visHeader
References
Lingen MW. Head and neck. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N, eds. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 16.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission
(www.urac.org). URAC's
accreditation
program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and
accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information
and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s
editorial policy,
editorial process, and
privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of
Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (
www.HONcode.ch.)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or
treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and
treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are
provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
©1997-2013 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly
prohibited.
Get the MOST from QualityHealth
- Stories
- Video
- Top Searches
- 1. Arthritis Management: Nature Heals
- 2. 5 Digestive To-Dos
- 3. Men: Should You Shave It or Leave It?
- 4. Today's Top Fitness Trends
- 5. Sugar and Osteoarthritis : The Link
- 6. Can't Afford Your Hospital Bills?
- 7. Stay Energized All Day Long
- 8. Phobias: Who Has Them and Why?
- 9. What If Your EpiPen Fails?
- 10. 5 Costly Medical Billing Mistakes
- 1. Ice Falls Can Cause Serious Injuries
- 2. Can Inactivity Act Like a Disease?
- 3. Kale Snack Recipe for Diabetics
- 4. How Running Affects Arthritis
- 5. Sugar and Your Immunity System
- 6. Do Weight Loss Supplements Work?
- 7. 5 Super Foods for Spring
- 8. The Hazards of Reusable Bags
- 9. How to Avoid Ingrown Hairs
- 10. Health Tip: Constantly Change Shoes
- 1. 4 Common Treatments for Epilepsy
- 2. What Does a Urogynecologist Do?
- 3. GERD Without Heartburn? It's Possible
- 4. Graston Technique: Can It Work on You?
- 5. Music Therapy Can Help Autism
- 6. 8 Ways to Fight MS-Related Fatigue
- 7. Can You Still Bleed After Menopause?
- 8. Be Your Own Health Care Advocate
- 9. Why Is Syphillis on the Rise?
- 10. Ideal Weight vs. Happy Weight
The material on the QualityHealth Web site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a physician or other qualified health provider. See additional information.