Tooth: Parts and landmarks (English)

Section of a molar to show the general anatomy of the tooth and its surrounding structures. The enamel consists of a highly mineralized and resistant layer which functions as a hard chewing surface and as a barrier which protects the tooth from possible physical, thermal and chemical damage. Dentin on the other hand, provides support to the enamel, while the dental pulp is responsible for nourishing surrounding tissue and perceiving pain or discomfort in cases of drastic temperature changes, pressure, trauma and possible infections. Important landmarks found in every tooth are the cementoenamel junction ‘CEJ’ (the point at the neck of the tooth where the cementum and the enamel border each other), and the dentinoenamel junction ‘DEJ’ (point where the enamel and dentin meet).