Print this page
 Email this page

 Connect with UMMC on:
 Blog
 Twitter
 Facebook
 YouTube
iPhone

 Share this page:

Bookmark and Share

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

 

Video details

[ Flash player icon ] Please install flash player to see this video.

Hospital Virtual Tour

Click to take a virtual tour

Related Content


 

Tooth anatomy - Overview

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.

  • Reviewed last on: 8/8/2009
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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.

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- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com