Patients at Alta Loma Dental Care ask this all the time: “If teeth are hard and white like bones, why aren’t they considered bones?” The short answer: teeth are NOT bones. They’re an entirely different tissue. What Teeth and Bones Have in Common
Both are the hardest parts of your body Both contain calcium (hydroxyapatite) Both look white and feel solid
That’s where the similarities end. The Big Differences (Why Teeth Aren’t Bones)
Living vs. Non-Living Tissue Bones are alive — they have blood vessels, nerves, and living cells that constantly rebuild. Teeth? Only the inner pulp is alive. Enamel and dentin (the parts you see) are dead tissue with zero ability to regenerate. No Self-Healing Break a bone → it heals stronger. Chip or cavity in a tooth → permanent damage unless we fix it. Different Composition Bone: collagen + living cells + marrow Enamel: 96% mineral, harder than bone, but brittle and non-living Dentin: no collagen like bone has
Different Embryonic Origin Bones come from mesoderm. Teeth develop from ectoderm (same layer as skin and nails).
Why This Matters in Rancho Cucamonga Because teeth can’t heal themselves:
One cavity left untreated becomes a root canal Grinding at night (common here in the IE) permanently wears enamel That’s why preventive visits every 6 months are non-negotiable
Quick FAQ Are teeth stronger than bones? Enamel is harder than bone, but once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. Why don’t teeth regrow like bones? No living cells in the outer layers — no repair crew. Is enamel a bone? No. It’s the only exposed part of your body with zero living tissue. Protect Your Non-Regenerating Teeth Today Schedule your check-up or cleaning at Alta Loma Dental Care 7283 Carnelian St, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701 Call (909) 987-6268 or book online at https://altalomadentalcare.com/