Where is the tooth neck?
At the transition from the anatomic crown to the root.
← All explanationsTooth neck
Where does the crown end and the root begin?
The tooth neck is the transition between the crown and root. The enamel-covered crown meets the cementum-covered root in this region. The gum margin is often nearby but can change position, so the tooth neck and gum margin are not identical.
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An anatomic transition
The crown–root boundary belongs to the tooth. It does not move when the gum recedes. A tooth appearing longer may therefore have more exposed root surface.
Not thick enamel everywhere
The root has dentin beneath a thin cementum layer. Exposure or surface changes may make stimuli uncomfortable. Exposure does not automatically mean pain.
Check the surface and cause
Sensitivity, a notch or a stain near the neck can have different causes. Tooth tissue, gums and symptoms are assessed together. Not every area requires a filling or surgery.
At a glance
Is visibility a diagnosis?
No. Root exposure, sensitivity and decay are separate findings.
When should it be checked?
For persistent sensitivity, pain, a new defect or noticeable gum recession.
Knowledge in motion
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Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
An anatomic transition
The crown–root boundary belongs to the tooth. It does not move when the gum recedes. A tooth appearing longer may therefore have more exposed root surface.
Not thick enamel everywhere
The root has dentin beneath a thin cementum layer. Exposure or surface changes may make stimuli uncomfortable. Exposure does not automatically mean pain.
Check the surface and cause
Sensitivity, a notch or a stain near the neck can have different causes. Tooth tissue, gums and symptoms are assessed together. Not every area requires a filling or surgery.
Often confused
Tooth neck or gum margin?
The tooth neck is a region of the tooth. The gum margin is the edge of the soft tissue and can sit at a different level.
Quick answers
Does an exposed tooth neck always mean periodontitis?
No. Gum recession has different possible associations. Examination establishes whether disease of the supporting tissues is present.
Why can cold cause a sharp feeling?
Exposed dentin is one possible reason. Decay, cracks or damaged restorations can also be sensitive; cold sensitivity alone does not identify the cause.
Should I scrub harder?
No. Cleaning should be thorough but gentle. Persistent sensitivity or a new notch is a reason to review technique and findings.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
An editorially suggested question for a discussion with Dr med dent Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Is root surface exposed here, and what explains the symptoms?
Feeling sensitivity near the gum margin or noticing a longer-looking tooth? Examination can distinguish exposure from its possible causes.
Discuss tooth-neck symptomsAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Cemento-enamel junction
- The boundary between the enamel covering and root surface.
- Dentin
- Hard tooth tissue beneath enamel or root cementum.
- Recession
- Movement of the gum margin that exposes root surface.
Make the distinction
The tooth neck is a region of the tooth. The gum margin is the edge of the soft tissue and can sit at a different level.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.