The root canal is the portion of the pulp cavity inside the root of a tooth; the chamber within the root of the tooth that contains the pulp. Root canal therapy, commonly referred to as just root canal, is the treatment of disease and injuries of the pulp and associated conditions. This may involve removal of the pulp, especially if needed to treat infection or abcess.
Terms to know:
- Pulpectomy: Complete removal of vital and non-vital pulp tissue from the root canal space.
- Pulpitis: Inflammation of the dental pulp.
- Pulpotomy: Removal of a portion of the pulp, including the diseased aspect, with the intent of maintaining the vitality of the remaining pulpal tissue by means of a therapeutic dressing.