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Enamel – This is the exterior of the tooth that you can see. It is white and very tough to put up with all that chewing we do!

Gum – This is the soft tissue surrounding the tooth. If you are brushing regularly, you are not only keeping your teeth healthy, but your gums as well! This tissue helps protect the bottom of the tooth, including the root, and taking care of it will help keep you out of our office!

Dentin – This is the next interior layer of our tooth. It is tough, but not as much as the enamel. This portion of the tooth decays easier and once decay finds a hole through the enamel, it can really dig into the dentin.

Pulp – The pulp is the interior most layer of the tooth. When we feel pain in our tooth, this is the part of our tooth that is causing it. Once you have a problem with the pulp of your tooth, we can remove this portion of your tooth to prevent it from causing you pain.

Root – this is the sensory portion of your tooth, containing the nerve which leads back to your brain. The root also holds the tooth in place in your jawbone. If we remove the nerve ending in this area, but leave the root, your tooth will no longer hurt, and you can go back to living you life, complete with your natural tooth intact. Hooray!