Root canalFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJump to: navigation, search
For the root canal operation, see endodontic therapy.
Root canal
Latin canalis radicis dentis
Code TA A05.1.03.049
A root canal is the space within the root of a tooth. It is part of a naturally occurring space within a tooth that consists of the pulp chamber (within the coronal part of the tooth), the main canal(s), and more intricate anatomical branches that may connect the root canals to each other or to the surface of the root.
The smaller branches, referred to as accessory canals, are most frequently found near the root end (apex) but may be encountered anywhere along the root length. There may be one or two main canals within each root. Some teeth have more variable internal anatomy than others. This space is filled with a highly vascularized, loose connective tissue, the dental pulp.
The dental pulp is the tissue of which the dentin portion of the tooth is composed. The dental pulp helps complete formation of the secondary teeth (adult teeth) one to two years after eruption into the mouth. The dental pulp also nourishes and hydrates the tooth structure which makes the tooth more resilient, less brittle and less prone to fracture from chewing hard foods. Additionally, the dental pulp provides a hot and cold sensory function.
Root canal is also a colloquial term for a dental operation, endodontic therapy, wherein the pulp is cleaned out, the space disinfected and then filled.
Contents [hide]
1 Tooth structure
2 See also
3 Notes
4 External links
[edit] Tooth structureAt the center of a tooth is a hollow area that houses soft tissue, known as pulp or nerve. This hollow area contains a relatively wide space in the coronal portion of the tooth called the pulp chamber. This chamber is connected to the tip of the root via narrow canal(s); hence, the term "root canal." Human teeth normally have one to four canals, with teeth toward the back of the mouth having more. These canals run through the center of the roots like pencil lead through the length of a pencil. The pulp receives nutrition through the blood vessels and sensory nerves carry signals back to the brain.
For many people who experience tooth pain or discomfort, a root canal may be recommended, and a qualified dentist or more preferably an endodontist (root canal therapy specialist) should be consulted in a timely manner.
[edit] See alsoAmerican Association of Endodontists
Endodontics
Endodontic therapy (root canal therapy)
Oral surgery
Ralph Frederick Sommer, an early developer of endodotics
[edit] Notes
This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations where appropriate. (January 2010)
[edit] External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Root canal
Root Canals at WebMD
Video on Direct Pulp Capping, an alternative to Root Canal therapy
Comparison of antibacterial and toxic effects of various root canal irrigants.
[show]v · d · eEndodontology (ICD-9-CM V3 23-24)
Diagnostic tests Electric pulp test - Thermal test - Percussion test
Dental radiography
Armamentarium and material Amalgam - Apex locator - Files and reamers - Gutta-percha - Dental dam - Rotary technology - Sodium hypochlorite - Silver points - Eucalyptol - Saline - EDTA
Endodontic procedures Apicoectomy - Endodontic therapy - Internal bleaching - Endodontic retreatment
M: TTH
anat/devp/phys
noco/cong/jaws/tumr, epon, injr
dent, proc (endo, orth, pros)
[show]v · d · eDental anatomy (TA A05.1.03, GA 11.1112–1124)
Teeth Permanent (incisor, canine, premolar, molar) · Deciduous
Parts Crown: Cusp (Cusp of Carabelli)
Pulp · Root canal (Apical foramen)
Cementoenamel junction · Enamel · Dental-enamel junction · Dentin · Dental papilla
Mammelon
Dental alveolus
Periodontium Cementum · Gingiva · Periodontal ligament
Maxillary teeth Incisor: Central incisor, Lateral incisor, Canine
Premolar: First premolar, Second premolar
Molar: First molar, Second molar, Third molar
Mandibular teeth Incisor Central incisor, Lateral incisor, Canine
Premolar: First premolar, Second premolar
Molar: First molar, Second molar, Third molar
M: TTH
anat/devp/phys
noco/cong/jaws/tumr, epon, injr
dent, proc (endo, orth, pros)
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Categories: Dental anatomy
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