Root Canal Terminology

Purpose and Procedure

• Abscess: A pocket of pus that forms at the end of the tooth root due to infection.
• Endodontics: The branch of dentistry specializing in root canal treatment.
• Endodontist: A dentist who specializes in root canal treatment.
• Pulp: The soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.
• Pulpectomy: Complete removal of the infected or damaged pulp tissue.
• Root Canal Therapy: A procedure to remove infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth.

Tools and Materials

• Dental Dam: A thin sheet of rubber used to isolate the tooth being treated.
• Files: Small instruments used to clean and shape the root canals.
• Gutta-percha: A rubber-like material used to fill the root canals.
• Irrigation: Flushing the root canals with disinfectant solutions.
• Paper Points: Absorbent paper tips used to dry the root canals.

Related Terms 

• Apicoectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the tip of the tooth root.
• Crown: A dental restoration that covers the entire tooth, often placed after a root canal.
• Necrosis: Death of the pulp tissue.
• Periapical X-ray: An X-ray that shows the entire tooth, from crown to root.
• Post and Core: A support structure placed in the root canal to provide stability for a crown.
• Tooth Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli, which can occur after a root canal.