Glossary

Root Canal Glossary

Our glossary provides clear definitions of common root canal terms. Become a more informed patient at Gardena Dental Group.

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.

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.

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.