Anatomy & Physiology - Essential Study Partner/Anatomy & Physiology ESP 2.iso/pc/files/abm1.dxr/00203_Field_ABM1S3E NARRATION.txt

Text File | 1999-11-09 | 1KB | 10 lines

From a cross-sectional view, the tooth consists of the exposed crown supported on a neck with roots that project into the mandible or maxillae.
There are three tissue layers that make up the tooth: the hard enamel, the dentin, and a central region known as the pulp.
Bacterial acid from plaque begins to erode the surface of the tooth, dissolving the enamel and forming a cavity or dental caries.
This begins the process of tooth decay.
The enamel contains no cells, so no pain is experienced at this point.
As the cavity progresses, bacteria can penetrate the enamel and dissolve a crater in the dentin layer.
Eventually, the cavity is extended into the soft pulp, where the destruction of pulp tissues leads to inflammation and infection.
As extensive destruction continues, a pulp abscess made up of pus and dead tissue may form.
Stimulation of the nerves causes the sensation of a toothache and eventually severe pain.
The abscess can spread into the surrounding bone and could cause serious problems if left untreated.