The more you know about your teeth, the easier it is to understand why you need a particular treatment your dentist has recommended. For this reason, the dentists at the Dental Clinic of Onalaska in Wisconsin place a strong emphasis on patient education. It’s easier to make informed decisions about your dental care when you have a basic understanding of concepts, like tooth anatomy.

The Anatomy of a Tooth

1. Enamel

The tooth enamel is the hardest structure in the human body, and it surrounds and protects the softer, more vulnerable interior tissues of the tooth. Unfortunately, acids and bacteria can eat away at the enamel, which can result in sensitivity and cavities. While eroded enamel cannot be replaced, the remaining structures can be strengthened by eating lots of mineral-rich fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of fluoride enriched water, and using fluoridated toothpaste.

2. Dentin

Dentin is a softer tissue found just beneath the enamel and makes up the majority of our teeth. It is yellow in color, which is why teeth with eroded enamel appear discolored. The tissue is comprised of microscopic pores, so it’s highly sensitive and vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria.

3. Cementum

Despite its name conjuring images of hard concrete, cementum is another soft tissue that coats the tooth roots. Its purpose is to anchor the teeth to the jawbone with flexible fibers that provide a miniscule amount of flexion during actions like chewing. Gum disease and tooth decay can damage the cementum, which results in tooth loss if preventive measures aren’t taken.

4. Roots

The tooth roots extend beneath the gum line, so they’re not visible to the naked eye. They actively draw nutrients into your jawbone, stimulating healthy growth and regeneration. If tooth loss occurs as a result of decay or gum disease, the lack of tooth roots results in bone loss. Dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots, can prevent this loss and restore functionality.

5. Pulp & Root Canals

At the center of the tooth is the pulp chamber. This houses the most vulnerable tissues like blood vessels and nerves. The root canals are like hollow tunnels that connect the blood vessels in your teeth with those throughout the rest of your mouth and body. When cavities go untreated, the pulp can become infected, requiring root canal therapy to remove the infected tissues and replace them with an artificial filling.

The dentists at the Dental Clinic of Onalaska offer a full range of services to ensure all parts of your teeth are protected and healthy. When decay or damage does occur, they can address the problem to eliminate any pain and restore function to your smile. Whether you need a dental implant for a missing tooth or you’re interested in getting a brighter smile through teeth whitening, they can help. Visit their website to learn more or call (608) 783-3341 to schedule an appointment.