Human molar with large cavity

This microCT scanned molar has a large cavity in the crown of the tooth. The cavity is so large that it has breached the pulp chamber. The images on the right side of the background are cross-sectional microCT images. They show a cross-section through the crown (left) and the roots (right). In the image of the crown you can see the outer enamel of the crown, which is lighter, the dentine (slightly darker) and the pulp chamber (black). You can also see the cavity encroaching on the pulp chamber. In the right image, you can see the delicate alveolar bone next to the root structure. This bone would have formed part of the tooth's socket, and was extracted with the tooth (painful!).