A Closer Look at the Inside of Your Teeth (And What Can Go Wrong)

When you look in the mirror and open your mouth, you don’t get a full picture of what’s inside. Here’s a closer look into your dental health, right down to the roots.

The interior of a tooth is a mysterious and interesting place — and it’s also where things can go horribly wrong. Here’s what you need to know about the insides of your teeth and what treatments you might need to keep your smile healthy.

At Bayside Dental Arts, Andrey Ilyabayev, DDS, provides a range of dental services to protect and repair your teeth, on both the inside and outside.

Anatomy of the tooth

The visible part of your teeth is made of enamel, a rock-hard mineral consisting of calcium phosphate. But this is only the first and hardest layer of your teeth.

Beneath the enamel is a thick layer of dentin, a hard yet porous tissue that serves as a buffer between your enamel and tooth root. The microscopic tubes inside the dentin allow sensations like temperature and touch to reach the nerves.

Deeper within your tooth are the nerves and blood vessels, contained within a pulp-filled canal. The canal leads all the way into the prongs of your tooth, where cementum binds them to your jawbone and gums.

Finally, there is the periodontal ligament, the true root, which holds your tooth in place. It’s protected by your jawbone and the hard roots of your teeth. This has a rich sensory nerve supply, which sends all kinds of data to your brain, so you use the correct pressure when you bite or chew.

Common dental problems affecting the inside of your tooth

Most dental problems are the result of damage to the enamel, which exposes the sensitive interior of the tooth. Depending on the problem, the solution might vary.

Decay

When bacteria collects on your teeth, it begins to break down the enamel, leading to tooth decay. The most common examples of this are cavities and soft spots, which can leave you vulnerable to root infection.

Routine cleanings and examinations help to prevent this, while fillings can treat cavities that have already formed.

Moderate to severe cracks

A small crack in your tooth might seem minor at first, but it can gradually widen and expose the root. Depending on the direction and depth of the crack, you might require a filling, crown, or extraction.

Root infection

Left untreated, a cavity or crack in the tooth can provide an opportunity for bacteria to infect the pulp within. This causes pressure and pain until you need a root canal procedure to remove the infected tissue and fill the inside of the tooth.

To learn more about your teeth and solve problems like these, schedule a consultation with our team at Bayside Dental Arts in the Bayside neighborhood of Queens, New York. We offer numerous services, ranging from minor dental work to root canals and extractions. Get in touch by calling 315-908-0804, or request an appointment online.