Section II. TOOTH STRUCTURE
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PARTS OF TEETH
a. Crown. Each tooth is divided into the crown and the root (or roots) (see
figure 3-4). The crown is that part of the tooth which is covered by enamel. The term
clinical crown is often used to refer to that part of the tooth which is visible in the mouth.
It seldom conforms exactly to that part covered by enamel. In this subcourse, the term
crown will refer to the anatomic crown or that portion of the tooth actually covered by
enamel. That portion of the tooth where the crown and the root join is commonly called
the cervix (neck) of the tooth. The junction between the enamel of the crown and
cementum of the root is called the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) or cervical line.
b. Root. The root (or roots) is that part of the tooth which is covered by
cementum. It is mostly embedded in the bony process of the jaw. The tip (or end) of
the root is called the apex. A small opening which passes though the apex is called the
apical foramen. Through this opening, the blood vessels and nerves pass to and from
the dental pulp. Often, there are additional small openings near the root apex called
supplementary foramina.
Figure 3-4. The tooth and supporting structures.
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