root canal

noun

: the part of the pulp cavity lying in the root of a tooth

also : a dental operation to save a tooth by removing the contents of its root canal and filling the cavity with a protective substance

Examples of root canal in a Sentence

I need to have a root canal.

Recent Examples on the Web

While general dentists typically perform preventive care and routine dental procedures, endodontists focus on tooth-saving diagnoses and treatments, including root canals and other surgeries. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 5 Sep. 2024

Zero received root canals on two of his canine teeth, while Barafu needed two teeth extractions in addition to the root canal. —Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 10 Aug. 2024

It is intended for fillings and dental crowns, not root canals. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 31 July 2024

In a ranking of adult experiences that are plain old miserable, dealing with back pain is up at the top, right alongside sitting in traffic and getting a root canal. —Kells McPhillips, SELF, 26 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

root canal

noun

: the space in the root of a tooth that contains soft sensitive tissue

also : a dental procedure to save a tooth by removing this tissue when diseased or injured and filling the space with a protective material

Medical Definition

root canal

noun

1

: the part of the pulp cavity lying in the root of a tooth

called also pulp canal

2

: a dental operation to save a tooth by removing the contents of its root canal and filling the cavity with a protective substance (as gutta-percha)