Anatomy of Teeth

Introduction

• Common misconception: Teeth are not bones.
• Anatomists do not classify teeth as bones despite similarities.

Major Parts of a Tooth

1. Crown
   • Visible portion above gums
   • Covered by enamel
   • Protects dentin and pulp chamber
2. Neck
   • Also called cemento-enamel junction/cervical line
   • Connects crown and root
   • Attachment point for gums
3. Root
   • Extends from neck to root's apex
   • Secured in alveolar bone
   • Covered by cementum

Types of Teeth

• Incisors: Usually one root
• Molars: Can have two or three roots

Tissue Types in Teeth

1. Enamel
   • Hard outer layer of crown
   • Comprised mostly of minerals like hydroxyapatite
   • Hardest substance in the human body
   • Susceptible to acid erosion leading to cavities
2. Cementum
   • Covers the root
   • Softer, bone-like tissue
   • Formed by cementoblasts
   • Part of the periodontium
3. Dentin
   • Found beneath enamel and cementum
   • Forms most of tooth's mass
   • Harder than cementum, softer than enamel
   • Contains dentinal tubules
   • Meets enamel and cementum at junctions (DEJ and DCJ)
4. Pulp
   • Soft tissue within pulp cavity
   • Contains odontoblasts, vessels, and nerves
   • Provides nutrition, sensation, immune defense

Types of Teeth in the Mouth

• Incisors
• Canines (Cuspids)
• Premolars (Bicuspids)
• Molars

Conclusion

• Additional resources and quizzes available on RegisteredNurseRN.com
• Encourage subscription and exploration of other anatomy videos.

Note:

• Next video will cover types of teeth in detail.