---
title: "What Is Tooth root? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "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."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-root
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/jawbone). Gums cover and protect the roots.

A layer of [cementum](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cementum) covers the root. The [periodontal ligament](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/root-canal) or another treatment. Regular exams and x-rays help show what is happening below the gumline.

[Town Center Dental can helpRoot Canal Treatment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/root-canal)

## Related terms

-   [Cementum](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cementum)
-   [Periodontal ligament](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/periodontal-ligament)
-   [Jawbone](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/jawbone)
-   [Root decay](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/root-decay)
-   [Root canal therapy](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/root-canal-therapy)

## Sources

1.  [MouthHealthy (ADA): Cavities](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/cavities)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)