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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1864, in the meaning defined above
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
noun1
: 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)
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