Anatomy Tooth

Certificate III in Dental Assisting

• Course Code: HLTDEN015 - Tooth Anatomy

• Provider: TAFE Queensland

• RTO Number: 0275

• CRICOS Code: 03020E

Tissues of the Teeth

• A tooth consists of two main parts:

  • Crown:

    • Covered in enamel

    • Visible part of the tooth in the mouth

  • Root:

    • Portion embedded in the surrounding bone

    • Covered in cementum

Enamel

• Functions:

  • Covers the crown of the tooth

  • Protects underlying tissues

• Characteristics:

  • Non-living tissue that cannot grow or repair after eruption

  • Hardest and most highly mineralized tissue in the body

  • Thicker at the cusps, thinner at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ)

Cementum

• Functions:

  • Covers the root portion of the tooth

  • Connects to periodontal ligament, helping to anchor the tooth in its socket

• Composition:

  • Hard connective tissue

Dentine

• Characteristics:

  • Hard, yellowish substance

  • Makes up the bulk of the tooth structure

  • Living tissue capable of minor self-repair

• Sensation:

  • Sensitive to pain if exposed

• Anatomy:

  • Contains microscopic canals called dentine tubules

Pulp Tissue

• Location:

  • Found in the center of the tooth, surrounded by dentine

• Composition:

  • Contains nerves and blood vessels

• Functions:

  • Connects to periapical tissues via the apical foramen

  • Provides sensory functions, nutrients, and moisture

  • Protects against bacterial invasion

Periodontium

• Made up of:

  • Cementum (of the root)

  • Alveolar bone

  • Periodontal ligament

  • Gingiva (gum tissue)

• Functions:

  • Supports and connects teeth to the maxilla and mandible

  • Supplies nutrients to the teeth

Cementum of the Periodontium

• Connected to the periodontal ligament and surrounds the root of the tooth

Periodontal Ligament

• Functions:

  • Provides support to the tooth

  • Offers sensory functions

  • Nutrition and resorptive/remodelling capabilities

  • Connects the tooth to the alveolar bone

Alveolar Bone

• Forms the bone structure of the maxilla and mandible, supporting the teeth

Gingiva

• Surrounds the tooth like a collar

• Functions:

  • Attached gingiva prevents bacterial invasion

  • Healthy gingiva prevents infections like gingivitis and periodontitis

Other Anatomical Features

• Fissure:

  • A deep groove in the tooth's crown

• Cusp:

  • The pointed part of the tooth's crown

  • Present in canines, premolars, and molars; absent in incisors

• Cementoenamel Junction (CEJ):

  • The area where enamel meets cementum

  • Also referred to as the cervical line

• Furcation:

  • The area where roots divide, found in teeth with two or more roots

Course Preparation

• Next Topic: HLTDEN001 - Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures