Tooth: Parts and landmarks (Latin)

Section of a molar tooth (dens molaris) to show the general anatomy of the tooth and its surrounding structures. The enamelum consists of a highly mineralized and resistant layer which functions as a hard chewing surface and barrier which protects the tooth from possible physical, thermal and chemical damage. Dentinum on the other hand, provides support to the enamel, while the pulpa dentis 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 junctio cementoenamelea ‘CEJ’ (the point at the cervix dentis where the cementum and the enamel border each other), and the junctio dentinoenamelea ‘DEJ’ (point where the enamelum and dentinum meet).