Anatomy
Tooth root
The tooth root is the part of a tooth that sits below the gumline, inside the jawbone. It anchors the tooth and holds the nerve and blood supply.
A tooth has two main parts: the crown you see and the root you do not. The root sits in a socket in the jawbone. Gums cover and protect the roots.
A layer of cementum covers the root. The periodontal ligament connects the cementum to the bone, which holds the tooth firmly in place. A narrow channel inside the root carries nerves and blood vessels to the tooth pulp.
Roots can be exposed when gums recede. They are softer than enamel and can decay. If infection reaches the tip of a root, a dentist may suggest a root canal or another treatment. Regular exams and x-rays help show what is happening below the gumline.