According to a report from the CDC, one in four adults in the US suffers from untreated tooth decay. Looking after your dental health should be a top priority if you want your pearly whites to last you a lifetime.
Understanding the anatomy of your teeth will help you care for your teeth better. In this post, you will look into the anatomy of natural teeth and dental implants.
Anatomy of Teeth
Overview
Adults have a total of 32 teeth:
- 8 incisors
- 4 canines
- 8 premolars
- 12 molars
Enamel
The hardest, outermost part of the tooth is made up of calcium phosphate.
Dentin
The layer underneath the enamel. It is a hard tissue made up of microscopic tubes.
Pulp
The soft, inner layer of the tooth contains blood vessels and nerves.
Cementum
This is the connective tissue that binds the root of the teeth to the gums.
Periodontal Ligament
This soft tissue connects the teeth to the jawbone and holds teeth in place.
The Crown
This is the exposed part of the teeth above the gumline.
The Root
The part of the tooth underneath the gums. The root makes up about two-thirds of the tooth.
Anatomy of Dental Implants
Overview
A dental implant is a structure that replaces a lost tooth. The most common dental implants are made up of either titanium or zirconia. If you are looking to get dental implants from your dentist in midtown, knowing the anatomy of a dental implant can help you understand the procedure.
Fixture
It is a cylindrical screw implanted into the jawbone that mimics the function of a natural tooth root.
Abutment
This is the connector piece that connects the prosthetic tooth to the fixture.
Dental Prosthetic
This part is the visible part of the dental implant that serves to mimic the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
- Crown – Refers to a single tooth prosthetic or multiple teeth not adjacent to one another.
- Bridge – Two or more replacement teeth that are adjacent to each other.
- Dentures – Refers to an arch or a mouthful or replacement teeth.
Your dental health is essential. Your dentist in the midtown area can discuss your options to get the best dental health and the best dental implants to restore your smile.
Schedule an appointment with a dentist in the midtown area today.
Content found on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgement, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a professional if you have concerns about your oral health.