Editing Root canal (section)

==Clinical significance==
{{For|the root canal operation|endodontic therapy}}
Root canal is also a colloquial term for a dental operation, [[endodontic therapy]], wherein the pulp is cleaned out, the space disinfected and then filled.

When rotary [[Nitinol#Biocompatible applications|nickel titanium]] (NiTi) [[File (tool)|files]] are used in canals with flat-oval or tear-shaped cross sections, a circular bore is created due to the rotational action of the metal. Also, small cavities within the canal such as the [[Cheek|buccal]] or [[Anatomical terms of location#Teeth|lingual]] recesses may not be instrumented within the tooth, potentially leaving residual disease during disinfection.

Tissue or [[biofilm]] remnants along such un-instrumented recesses may lead to failure due to both inadequate disinfection and the inability to properly obturate the root-canal space. Consequently, the biofilm should be removed with a disinfectant, commonly [[sodium hypochlorite]], during root canal treatment.