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Enamel (Figure 1.9) is made up of prisms (crystals of hydroxyapatite) arranged vertically in a wavy pattern, which give it great strength. The prisms, which resemble fish scales, are supported by a matrix of organic material including keratinised (horn‐like) cells, which can be seen under an electron microscope.

Figure 1.9 Structure of the tooth.

Source: From [1]. Reproduced with permission of Elsevier.

Table 1.5 Percentages of organic and inorganic matter in hard tooth structures.

Structure	Inorganic	Organic
Enamel	96%	4%
Dentine	70%	30%
Cementum	45%	55%