The primary function of the pulp is to form dentin. Nerves and blood vessels access the pulp chamber via the apical foramen. Occasionally, there are accessory foramina. This is the calcified connective tissue that covers the anatomic root of the tooth. It is the least visible of the tissues to the practicing dentist, yet it serves a vital function in the support of the tooth.
Cementum anchors the periodontal ligament to the root of the tooth.
It is bone-like and light yellow. Cementum is the thinnest at the cementoenamel junction and is thickest at the apex. It is laid down throughout life and resting lines can be seen in histological sections. Continous cementum deposition maintains the length of the tooth as a physiologic compensation for occlusal wear. You will occasionally see heavy accretions of cementum on the roots of teeth extracted from older patients.