Understanding the parts of your tooth

When it comes to our teeth, knowledge is truly power, especially when we need to explain how our oral health is going to a dental professional. Understanding the basic parts of your tooth can help a lot when communicating that you might be having an issue with your teeth. Each aspect of your tooth is integral to your oral function, and that definitely includes the pulp and roots. In this blog post, we will go over the parts of a tooth and how root canal therapy affects the tooth.

What are the parts of a tooth?

A tooth is composed of three main layers: the outer layer, called enamel; the middle layer, called dentin; and the inner, soft pulp tissue that houses the tooth's nerves and blood vessels. The root of a tooth is the portion that extends into the jawbone, anchoring the tooth in place.

If you're having pain, it's most likely because of an infection or damage to the root pulp inside the tooth. That's why your dentist might refer you to an endodontist like Dr. Nieves or Dr. Fitzhugh here at WFW Endodontics.

Enumerating on the enamel

Enamel, the outermost layer of a tooth, is the hardest and most mineralized substance in the human body. It is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite, a crystal form of calcium phosphate. Enamel plays a critical role in protecting our teeth from daily wear and tear caused by biting and chewing, as well as extreme temperatures and chemicals. Despite its toughness, enamel is vulnerable to acid and can decay if exposed to sugars and starches without proper oral hygiene.

The enamel's translucent characteristic permits light to pass through it, reflecting off the dentin and imparting color to our teeth. The thickness and mineral composition of the enamel can affect the range of shades. Although enamel is tough, it can chip or crack and, unlike other tissues in the body, cannot regenerate once it's damaged. This is because enamel lacks living cells, so regular dentist visits are crucial to keep your teeth healthy and prevent enamel loss.

A deep dive on dentin

Dentin, the second layer of a tooth, can be found beneath the enamel and extends down to the root. It constitutes the majority of a tooth's structure and serves as a protective layer that surrounds the delicate pulp. Dentin is a hard tissue, although it is not as tough as enamel. Composed mostly of mineralized organic material and water, dentin is responsible for the majority of a tooth's size and shape.

While dentin is generally covered by enamel in the crown and by cementum in the root, it can become exposed due to enamel erosion or gum recession. When this happens, tooth sensitivity can occur as the dentin is directly connected to the nerves within the tooth. Unlike enamel, dentin can regenerate and repair itself to a certain extent due to the presence of odontoblasts — cells responsible for dentin production. However, excessive damage or decay can overpower the regenerative ability of dentin, leading to permanent damage. Therefore, good oral hygiene is crucial to protect both the dentin and enamel layers of teeth.

The pulp: where the magic happens

The pulp is the most inner part of the tooth, often referred to as 'the living center.' Call us a little biased but this is our favorite part of the tooth here at WFW Endodontics.

Composed of soft tissues, the pulp houses the blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues. These elements work harmoniously to nourish the tooth and keep it healthy, allowing it to sense feelings such as heat, cold, pressure and pain. The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots, providing the nutrients needed for the root to grow during development.

However, the pulp is also susceptible to infection resulting from deep decay or a crack in the tooth, which allows bacteria to enter the pulp. If an infection occurs, it can lead to inflammation of the pulp tissue (also called pulpitis). Inflammation usually means pain in the tooth when eating or drinking, sensitivity to temperature or even (in the most extreme cases) a loose tooth. If left untreated, pulpitis can lead to an abscess, a more severe infection that can spread to other areas of the mouth and body. To treat an infected pulp, a procedure known as root canal therapy is often performed by an endodontist. This procedure involves removing the diseased pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canals, and then filling and sealing them.

Dr. Nieves and Dr. Fitzhugh are board-certified endodontists, meaning they specialize in treatments related to the tooth's innermost layer, the pulp. When damage to the pulp occurs, Dr. Nieves and Dr. Fitzhugh perform root canal therapy to remove the affected tissue and save the tooth.

What parts are involved in root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy involves treating the pulp inside your tooth, but all parts of the tooth are involved to make sure a root canal therapy session is successful. During this process, a small hole is drilled in the crown of the tooth (the enamel), allowing your endodontist to access the pulp chamber (through the dentin). Next, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed, and the endodontist cleans and shapes the inner portion of the tooth. Finally, the newly hollowed surface is filled with a biocompatible material and capped with a restoration.

At WFW Endodontics, we use a machine called the GentleWave® that gives our patients an extremely effective experience. This means we not only save your tooth, but we do it in a way that's less uncomfortable than previous root canals used to be. Patients also might see a quicker recovery time due to innovative technology our machine uses.

How do I know if I need root canal therapy?

Signs and symptoms of a root infection or trauma may include tooth pain, sensitivity to temperature changes, tenderness to the touch and swelling of the surrounding gum tissue. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can save the tooth from extraction and further damage.

How do I make an appointment with WFW Endodontics?

If you suspect that you may require root canal therapy, do not hesitate to make an appointment with us here at WFW Endodontics. Our team is dedicated to providing a comfortable and stress-free experience, as well as exceptional care and results. You can easily schedule an appointment online or by calling our office at 817-769-6100.

Understanding the various parts of a tooth is essential for maintaining good oral health and knowing when to seek professional treatment. If you're experiencing symptoms of a root infection or have had trauma related to affected tooth, schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. WFW Endodontics can provide you with top-notch care and guidance through any dental situation.