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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One person is in charge of a root canal, someone else is setting the broken foot, another person is working on a displaced shoulder, and still another is getting rid of a gallstone. Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 The Pennsylvania mom needed root canals and crowns for two molars to get rid of the pain-triggering infection. Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 22 Sep. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for root canal 

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of root canal was in 1864

Dictionary Entries Near root canal

Cite this Entry

“Root canal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/root%20canal. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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