You and Your Teeth: The Anatomy of the Tooth and Dental Implants 

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.