When it is said...

Root Canal

A root canal is a space inside the root of a tooth. It is part of the tooth’s natural internal space, which consists of the pulp chamber in the crown of the tooth, the main root canals and numerous anatomical branches that may connect the canals to one another or to the surface of the root.

Small branches, known as accessory canals, are often located near the tip of the root, but they can occur anywhere along the length of the root. Each root may contain one or two main canals. Some teeth have more complex and variable internal anatomy than others. The space inside the tooth is filled with highly vascularised dental pulp.

Dental Pulp

The dental pulp (pulp) is the tissue responsible for producing dentin. Formation of the permanent dentition is completed approximately 1–2 years after the teeth erupt into the mouth. Once a tooth has reached its final size and shape, this function of the dental pulp ceases. Another role of the pulp is to act as a sensory organ.

The term “root canal” is sometimes also used more broadly to refer to endodontic treatment (root canal treatment), in which the root canal system is cleaned, disinfected and filled.

Tooth Structure

At the centre of the tooth is a hollow space containing the soft tissue of the dental pulp, commonly referred to as the “nerve”. This space occupies a relatively large part of the tooth crown and is known as the pulp chamber. It is connected to the tips of the roots by narrow canals known as root canals. Human teeth commonly have between one and four root canals. A root canal runs through the root much like the graphite core of a pencil. The pulp is supplied with nutrients by blood vessels, while sensory nerve fibres transmit stimuli to the brain.

For many people suffering from toothache, endodontic root canal treatment is an appropriate treatment option.