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Root canal

Also known as: Tooth canal

Root canal (Latin. canalis radicis dentis) is an anatomical space within the tooth root, connecting the pulp chamber with the surrounding tissues through openings at the root apex (apical delta). Normally, it houses the root part of the pulp containing a neurovascular bundle.

Etiology and Pathophysiology

The root canal serves as the main communication pathway between the internal tooth environment and the periodontium. Upon pulp necrosis, the root canal serves as a reservoir for bacterial proliferation. Toxins and tissue decomposition products easily pass through the canal into the periapical tissues, causing the development of apical periodontitis.

Clinical significance

The complex anatomy of root canals, with branches and curvatures, makes their cleaning a challenging process. Effective endodontic treatment involves complete cleaning, disinfection, and hermetically sealed filling of the entire root canal system to prevent recurrent inflammatory processes in the periapical tissues.