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Parts of a tooth

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Cross-section of tooth showing its parts: crown, enamel, dentin, root, pulp, and nerve and blood vessels, and the gums and bone around it

The crown is the part of the tooth that you can see above the gums. The root is the part of the tooth that is below the gums. The top layer of the crown is enamel. Below the enamel is dentin, which surrounds the pulp. Inside the pulp are the blood vessels and nerves of the tooth. Some teeth have only one or two roots, but molars can have four roots.

Current as of: September 27, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.