-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
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
It is intended for fillings and dental crowns, not root canals.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 31 July 2024
In a ranking of adult experiences that are plain old miserable, dealing with back pain is up at the top, right alongside sitting in traffic and getting a root canal.
—Kells McPhillips, SELF, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for root canal
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'root canal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 28 Sep. 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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share