What does “Root canal” mean?
A root canal is a thin space inside the tooth root where the pulp passes. Each tooth has a different number and shape of root canals, and a single root may have multiple root canals.
Original spelling: 근관(치근관)
What is the difference between a root canal and a pulp?
Root canal is the name of the space, inside which is pulp tissue, including nerves and blood vessels. The pulp chamber inside the tooth crown and the root canal inside the root are connected. In dentistry, the area described as a ‘nerve canal’ often corresponds to a root canal.
What is done in endodontics
If irreversible inflammation or infection occurs in the pulp, consider treatment that involves removing the internal tissue, cleaning and disinfecting the root canal, and then filling it. After treatment, the top of the tooth must also be properly sealed and protected. The same number of treatments or restoration methods are not applied in all cases.
Does shape affect treatment?
A root canal may not be as simple as a straight canal. Narrowing, curvature, or bifurcation are factors to look for in your treatment plan. If symptoms remain or recur after previous treatment, the root canal and surrounding area of the tooth are reassessed to find the cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one root canal for each tooth root?
The number of roots and canals are not always the same. The number and shape of internal passages may vary depending on the tooth type and individual.
Are root canal treatment and crown treatment the same process?
Root canal treatment deals with the inside of a tooth, and crowns are a restorative method that restores the tooth's appearance and function. The type of restoration needed after root canal treatment depends on the condition of the remaining teeth.
If the root canal is curved, can it not be treated?
The degree of curvature and internal structure can affect the difficulty of treatment, but just because it is curved does not mean it is impossible. We evaluate the approach based on imaging and dental condition.
Root canals: 3 things to check during dental care
Please review the questions to ask before deciding on treatment and the treatment standards of TU Dental Clinic.
- A choice suited to your condition
Does the clinic check the number and type of root canals and existing treatment status?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic explains the treatment needed based on the current state of tooth decay and the gums. The treatment extent is determined from the diagnosis.
Integrated treatment that examines cavities and gums together - Preservation of natural teeth
Are internal treatments and restorative potential of the tooth evaluated together?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic monitors the progress of tooth decay and determines the treatment range by considering the tooth tissue that can be preserved.
Integrated treatment that examines cavities and gums together - Sufficient understanding
Does the clinic explain the separate purposes of root canal treatment and the subsequent restoration?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic explains why treatment options differ according to the extent of tooth decay. Ask during consultation if you are unsure about a location recorded in your dental notes.
Integrated treatment that examines cavities and gums together

