Intraradicular space: what happens within roots of infected teeth?

The pulpo-dentine complex is normally protected from exogenous substances in the oral cavity by the overlying enamel or cementum. Dental caries, dental trauma, enamel/dentine cracks, and restorative procedures commonly breach the integrity of enamel or cementum and may allow infection of the pulpo-dentine complex to occur, possibly leading to pulp and periapical inflammatory disease. Infection of the intraradicular space is a complex and dynamic process involving interactions between host and microbial factors. An understanding of these factors has led to the development of endodontic techniques that offer predictable success.