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Root Canal (Endodontics) Defined

The word Endodontics, more commonly known as root canals, comes from the combination of the Greek roots, endo (inside) and odons (tooth). Endodontics is literally the treatment of diseases inside the tooth, the root, dental pulp, and surrounding tissue. The interior anatomy of the tooth has a pulp chamber containing nerves, arteries, veins and lymphatic tissue (see figure A). When these soft tissues become diseased or injured, endodontic treatment is required to save the tooth.

Tooth Anatomy

Figure A

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