Lateral Canals
Quick Facts
The lateral canal is a connection between the pulp and the periodontal tissue.
Related parts of the anatomy
Structure and/or Key Feature(s)
Lateral canals are channels that pass from the root pulp laterally through dentin to the periodontal tissue. A lateral canal may be considered a specific type of accessory canal located in the coronal or middle third of the tooth. Lateral canals are distinguishable from traditional accessory canals, as accessory canals are typically located in the apical regions of the tooth (Uzun et al., 2012).
Lateral canals arise following local fragmentation of the epithelial root sheath as the tooth develops, creating a small gap. Alternatively, canals may develop when blood vessels traveling from the dental sac and through the dental papilla persist. As dentinogenesis does not occur in this area, both scenarios give rise to a small lateral canal, containing small blood vessels and occasionally nerves (Ricucci and Siqueira, 2010).
Function
While lateral canals contain small blood vessels, their blood supply contributes very little to overall pulp function. These canals, therefore, contribute very little to overall tooth function and integrity.
References
Ricucci, D. and Siqueira, J. F., Jr. (2010) 'Fate of the tissue in lateral canals and apical ramifications in response to pathologic conditions and treatment procedures', J Endod, 36(1), pp. 1-15.
Uzun, Ö., Topuz, Ö., Aslan, S. and Tınaz, A. C. (2012) 'Effects of simulated lateral canals on the accuracy of measurements by an electronic apex locator', J Can Dent Assoc, 78, pp. c65.
