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