For those of you searching for info on what exactly is a root canal (or endodontic surgery), here is an excellent overview.




From Wikipedia:

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 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 which forms the dentin portion of the tooth. The formation of secondary teeth (adult teeth) is completed by 1-2 years after eruption into the mouth. Once the tooth has reached its final size and shape, the dental pulp’s original function ceases for all practical purposes. It takes on a secondary role as a sensory organ.

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.

You can find an endodontist in your area.

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6 Responses to “What is a Root Canal or Endodontic Surgery?”

  1. saynono Says:
    July 24th, 2009 at 2:21 pm

    NEVER NEVER NEVER let a dentist use formaldehyde, lead or mercury in a root canal. don’t assume they won’t…ASK ASK ASK. Its called Sargenti Paste/N2/RC2B/RC2W. The dentists who use it conceal it from the patient (even after harming them) because they know it is malpractice. The FDA rejected it based upon safety concerns, every state dental school teaches NOT to use it because it is below the standard of care. Injuries can be life altering and life threatening. We are two patients who will suffer life long problems because we didn’t know to ask. The ADA does not recommend it, their endodontic board (AAE) is strongly against it…
    http://www.aae.org/NR/rdonlyres/14F3726F-DA2D-4155-97E9-D0201E690B17/0/paraformaldehydefillingmaterials.pdf

    Don’t take the chance….injuries are random and can show up months or years after a seemingly properly done root canal. ASK, SAY NO. Don’t walk in our shoes. http://www.worstrootcanalever.com
  2. Cynthia Vieau Says:
    October 14th, 2009 at 12:07 am

    I had a partial root canal done oops file tip broke off in one of the roots and now I am waiting almost another whole month to have quote from the dentist “a simple procedure done to remove the tip” I really don’t know what is simple about endondontic surgery and just how good it is to be having to wait so long to have the work completed!
  3. dentist vaughan Says:
    June 8th, 2010 at 12:09 am

    People who leave dental cavities will end up needing root canals. Root canals are much more costly compared to fillings. Thus, it is advisable that if a dental problem arises, it should be treated as soon as possible.
  4. ANGELE JOHNSON Says:
    July 1st, 2010 at 1:29 am

    I JUST GOT MY CRACK WISDOM TOOTH PUULTODAY AND THE ROOT IS STILL THERE MY DENTIST STAY IT MY SUFACE OR IT MAY NOT WILL THIS PUT ME IN HARMS WAY PLEASE REPLY BACK DONTORS ONLY CHYNIDOLL@MAIL.COM THANKS YOU,.
  5. Dentist in milpitas Says:
    July 15th, 2010 at 5:17 am

    The most common way for the pulp to become infected is from an untreated cavity. A cavity is formed by acid in a rather unexpected way.
  6. Dental Milpitas Says:
    July 27th, 2010 at 6:28 am

    Root canals have, over the years, earned a negative reputation, so it's important to educate people about how much root canal therapy has changed over the years and how it is not as bad as some people make it out to be.

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