| Term | Definition |
| Dental pulp | Collection of blood vessels and nerves that are present within all vital teeth. This normally provides feedback during chewing processes |
| Apical foramen | The opening at the bottom of the tooth root which acts as an entrance for blood vessels from the periodontal tissues to the tooth pulp |
| Root canal therapy | A treatment modality which aims to fully chemically decontaminate and clean the area previously occupied by the dental pulp, and to seal the area from the oral environment. |
| Caries | A disease process whereby oral pathogens produce acid from metabolising sugars in the diet resulting in acid production, which subsequently breaks down tooth structures |
| Periodontitis | A chronic condition whereby bacteria present on gingival margins produce and release toxins resulting in an immune response which ultimately results in breakdown of alveolar bone and other supportive tooth structures, ultimately leading to tooth mobility and tooth loss. |
| Dentinal tubules | Small microscopic tubes present within dentine, which are normally filled with a mixture of fluid and air. Movement of fluid in these tubules may result in the sensation of pain |
