A TOUR OF YOUR TEETH

Understanding your teeth may help take the mystery out of root canal therapy for you. Each tooth is covered by a tough outer shell that protects the underlying structures, and soft tissue inside your tooth helps keep your tooth nourished. But if the soft tissue becomes damaged, the health of your tooth is at risk.

A Healthy Tooth

Your tooth has two basic parts: the crown is the part you see above the gum, and the roots anchor your tooth to your jawbone. Inside the crown and roots is soft tissue (pulp) made up of tiny structures that help keep your tooth nourished.

An outer enamel layer and the dentin inside protect the tooth's underlying structures and prevent bacteria from entering the tooth.

The pulp helps nourish the tooth and is made up of tiny blood vessels, nerves, and lymph vessels. The blood vessels and lymph vessels carry nutrients and waste to and from the tooth, and the nerves give feeling to the tooth.

The root canals house the pulp and extend to the underlying bone.

The bone holds the tooth with the help of tiny periodontal ligaments attached to the roots. The pulp tissue enters and exits through openings at the root tips.

Click Here for a larger diagram

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