Which part of a tooth is located below the gums and helps anchor it in place?

The root of a tooth is the part that is located below the gums and plays a crucial role in anchoring the tooth securely in place. It extends into the jawbone, providing stability and support. The root is covered by a substance called cementum, which helps attach the tooth to the periodontal ligament, a connective tissue structure that connects the tooth to the surrounding alveolar bone in the jaw.

In contrast, the crown refers to the part of the tooth that is visible above the gum line, while enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of the crown. Dentin is the tissue beneath the enamel that makes up the bulk of the tooth structure but does not anchor the tooth. Understanding this hierarchy and the specific roles of each part of the tooth helps to appreciate how teeth are composed and how their structure contributes to their function in the mouth.