Root
The root is the part of the tooth that extends into the bone and holds the tooth in place. It makes up approximately two-thirds of the tooth.
It’s made up of several parts:
- Root canal. The root canal is a passageway that contains pulp.
- Cementum. Also called cement, this bone-like material covers the tooth’s root. It’s connected to the periodontal ligament.
- Periodontal ligament. The periodontal ligament is made of connective tissue and collagen fiber. It contains both nerves and blood vessels. Along with the cementum, the periodontal ligament connects the teeth to the tooth sockets.
- Nerves and blood vessels. Blood vessels supply the periodontal ligament with nutrients, while nerves help control the amount of force used when you chew.
- Jaw bone. The jaw bone, also called the alveolar bone, is the bone that contains the tooth sockets and surrounds the teeth’s roots; it holds the teeth in place.