Structure and Anatomy of Root Canals - Center of every tooth contains a hollow area housing soft tissues - Hollow area has a wide space called the pulp chamber - Canals run through the center of the roots - Pulp receives nutrition through blood vessels - Internal anatomy of teeth is complex and varies - Root canals have round, oval, or irregular cross-sectional shape - Lateral parts include fins, anastomoses, and accessory canals - Cleaning root canals is challenging due to tissue remnants and infectious elements - Idealistic image of smooth, conical root canals underestimates their complexity

Contents of Root Canals - Space inside root canals is filled with dental pulp - Dental pulp is highly vascularised connective tissue - Dental pulp completes formation of secondary teeth - Dental pulp nourishes and hydrates tooth structure - Dental pulp provides hot and cold sensory function

Variation in Root Canals - Oval cross-section is found in 50-70% of root canals - Tear-shaped cross-section is common when a single root contains two canals - Cone-down CT scans can detect accessory canals missed in 23% of cases - Upper molars are predisposed to have occult accessory canals - Classical radiographs may not reveal subtle canal variations

Clinical Significance of Root Canals - Root canal is a colloquial term for endodontic therapy - Rotary nickel titanium files create circular bore in canals - Small cavities within canals may be left un-instrumented - Biofilm remnants in un-instrumented recesses can lead to failure - Sodium hypochlorite is commonly used as a disinfectant during root canal treatment

Relief and Treatment of Root Canals - Tooth can be relieved from pain via root canal treatment - Root canal treatment is a form of endodontic therapy - Rotary nickel titanium files are used to clean and shape the canals - Sodium hypochlorite is used as a disinfectant during root canal treatment