When you look in the mirror and open your mouth, you do not get the full picture of what is inside. Here is a closer look at your dental health, right down to the roots.
The interior of a tooth is a mysterious and interesting place, and it is also where things can go wrong. Here is what you need to know about the inside of your teeth and what treatment you might need to keep your smile healthy. At Bayside Dental Arts, Andrey Ilyabayev, DDS, provides a range of dental services to protect and repair your teeth, on both the inside and outside.
Anatomy of the Tooth
The visible part of your tooth is made of enamel, a rock-hard mineral consisting largely of calcium phosphate. It is the hardest substance in the human body, but it is also the only layer of your tooth with no living cells, which means it cannot repair itself if it decays or wears down.
Beneath the enamel is a thick layer of dentin, a hard yet porous tissue that serves as a buffer between your enamel and tooth root. Microscopic tubes inside the dentin normally stay protected by the enamel above them. When that enamel wears away or decays, those tubes can let heat, cold, or acidic and sticky foods reach the nerves inside your tooth, which is what causes sensitivity.
Deeper within your tooth are the nerves and blood vessels, contained within a pulp-filled chamber. This chamber extends into the root of the tooth, an area also called the root canal, where cementum binds the root to your jawbone and gums.
Finally, the periodontal ligament connects your tooth root to its socket and holds the tooth in place. It has a rich sensory nerve supply, which sends signals to your brain so you use the right amount of pressure when you bite or chew.
Your Teeth Are Not Bones
Even though teeth resemble bones, they are actually quite different. Teeth do not contain marrow, and unlike a broken bone, a damaged tooth cannot regenerate or repair itself the way bone tissue does. That is one reason dental problems need professional treatment rather than time to heal on their own.
Common Dental Problems Affecting the Inside of Your Tooth
Most dental problems are the result of damage to the enamel, which exposes the sensitive interior of the tooth. Depending on the problem, the solution might vary.
Decay
When bacteria collects on your teeth, it begins to break down the enamel, leading to tooth decay. Cavities and soft spots are the most common examples, and left untreated, they can leave you vulnerable to root infection. Routine cleanings and examinations help prevent this, while fillings can treat cavities that have already formed.
Moderate to Severe Cracks
A small crack in your tooth might seem minor at first, but it can gradually widen and expose the root. Depending on the direction and depth of the crack, you might need a filling, crown, or extraction.
Root Infection
Left untreated, a cavity or crack can give bacteria an opportunity to infect the pulp inside your tooth. This causes pressure and pain until you need a root canal procedure to remove the infected tissue and fill the inside of the tooth.
To learn more about your teeth and address problems like these, schedule a consultation with our team at Bayside Dental Arts in the Bayside neighborhood of Queens, New York. We offer numerous services, ranging from minor dental work to root canals and extractions. Get in touch or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Anatomy
Why Can’t Enamel Repair Itself?
Enamel contains no living cells, unlike the rest of your tooth. Once it decays or wears down, only a dentist can restore it, typically with a filling or crown.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Sensitive to Hot or Cold?
Sensitivity usually happens when enamel wears away or decays, exposing the microscopic tubes in the dentin underneath. Those tubes let temperature and certain foods reach the nerves inside your tooth.
Is a Small Crack in My Tooth Something to Worry About?
Yes, it is worth having evaluated. Even a small crack can gradually widen and expose the root, and catching it early usually means simpler treatment than waiting until it worsens.
What Happens if a Cavity Is Left Untreated?
Untreated decay can eventually reach the pulp inside your tooth and cause an infection, which typically requires a root canal to resolve.
Are Teeth Considered Bones?
No. Although they look similar, teeth do not contain marrow and cannot regenerate the way bones can, which is why dental damage requires professional treatment rather than natural healing.
About the Author
Dr. Ilyabayev provides general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry at Bayside Dental Arts in Bayside, Queens, treating everything from routine cavities to infections that require root canal therapy.