Teeth are one of the most important parts of the body for any animals, including humans. The device of the teeth is divided into several layers, and one of the most important components are the nerves. But why are they so important and what role do they play in the tooth?
Types of teeth
There are several types of teeth that perform certain functions. Moreover, each animal species has a specific set of bone formations.
Interesting fact: Scientists believe that the first teeth appeared in fish and were placoid scales. These are bone plates located on the outer cover.
Most predatory animals and fish have conical teeth. In humans, fangs are their counterparts. They are used to grab and tear off pieces of food.
In humans and some mammals, teeth are divided into several types: fangs, incisors and chewing. Some also have tusks and use them for defensive and attacking purposes. In many animals, milk teeth erupt after birth, which in the future will change to molars. They have approximately the same structure as the latter, for example, are equipped with roots and nerves.
Interesting fact: Almost all mammals have milk teeth in the early years, and some species renew them several times during their lifetime. For example, elephants can change the composition of their teeth 4-6 times.
Also, some creatures learned to do without teeth in the process of evolution. For example, birds and some species of fish.
Tooth structure
Despite the simple appearance, the tooth has a complex structure.First of all, it can be divided into a crown (a part crawling out over the gum) and a root (a part sitting in the gum).
Now you can go to a detailed description of the structure. The upper part, which comes in direct contact with food, is called fissure. It is part of enamel - the upper layer of the tooth with high strength. Under the enamel is the second layer - dentin. It serves as the basis of the tooth and makes up its main part.
Inside the dentin is a pulp - soft tissue that contains nerve endings and blood vessels. Under the teeth, in the gums, the main neurovascular bundle passes. The nerves of the tooth are connected to it, going down from the pulp down the roots.
Why does a tooth need nerves?
Almost everyone knows that a nerve can be removed from a diseased tooth, but few people realize that nerve endings are its most important part. Why are they so important?
In the early stages of tooth formation, nerves are responsible for nutrient intake and cell distribution. It is they who decide which cell will turn into enamel, dentin, etc. This allows you to evenly build the structure of the future tooth and properly form it.
After the tooth has finally grown, the nerves begin to nourish it. They participate in the metabolism and saturate all layers of the roots and crowns with useful elements. Thanks to this, the tooth remains strong.
Under certain circumstances, nerve removal may be required. Then the dentist makes a hole in the enamel and dentin, and then removes the nerve endings. Then it closes the hole with a seal.
What will happen to the tooth if the nerve is removed?
After the nerve is removed, the tooth ceases to be nourished. Because of this, nutrients no longer enter the interior; enamel and dentin strength gradually decreases. If the nerve was removed from the tooth, this does not mean that it becomes unusable. It simply increases the likelihood that it may be damaged by contact with solids. With careful handling, a tooth without nerve endings will serve as well as a full one.
The nerve performs one of the most important functions in the teeth. It is involved in the growth and distribution of cells. Thanks to the nerve, nutrients are exchanged and sensitivity is provided. If you remove the nerve, the tooth will not eat, it will become less durable, however, a person can still use it. And it directly depends on how long the tooth will last: the more you follow it, the longer.
