root canal

American  

noun

Dentistry.

1. Also called pulp canal.  the root portion of the pulp cavity.

2. Informal. root canal therapy.

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root canal British  

noun

1. the passage in the root of a tooth through which its nerves and blood vessels enter the pulp cavity

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Etymology

Origin of root canal

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Pressure is building on Mr. Johnson to bring the House back to start over, a prospect almost as appealing as a root canal.

From The Wall Street Journal

He also performed a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.

From BBC

"We're getting to a point where it's no longer an option to treat with fillings or root canal."

From BBC

I was like: “Do I need a root canal? Can you take a tooth out? Something’s wrong.”

From Los Angeles Times

Both ultimately understood that the other’s priorities deserved respect, be it Anna’s rock band practice or Tess’ root canal.

From Los Angeles Times