A healthy tooth has basically two parts:
Crown of a healthy tooth: Has three different layers
1. Enamel: Is the bright white translucent outer layer that gives shine to the teeth. This is the hardest part of the body. It has no sensation.
2. Dentine: Is yellow in color and is the second layer of the tooth. It takes up the chewing forces and is slightly elastic in nature. This layer has dentinal tubules that are sensitive to temperature and ph variations.
3. Pulp: This is the central part of the tooth and has blood vessels and nerve supply to the tooth. It is present in the pulp chamber and extends into the root canals.
Roots of a tooth
1. Cementum: Roots are surrounded by a layer called cementum.
2. Periodontal ligament: This soft tissue layer contains lots of fibers which hold the tooth firm in the bone. It acts as shock absorber and surrounds the cementum.
3. Alveolar bone: This is the bone which surrounds the tooth and takes up the chewing forces and transfers it to the jaw bone. The health of alveolar bone is very crucial for the stability of tooth.
