Apex

The apical foramen, commonly called apex, is the opening of the pulp at the end of a root. It is from this opening that nerves and blood vessels go inside the tooth to feed the pulp. The tissue beyond the apex is called periapical tissue.

Apex within a tooth

An infection in the pulp can spread through the apex and cause a periapical abscess. This condition is treated by taking antibiotics and then by conducting a root canal if the tooth is not overly destroyed.

Dental Anatomy

Alveolar Bone Apex Cementum Cusp Dentin Enamel Gum Periodontal Ligament Pulp Tooth

References

Naudin C., Grumbach N., Larousse Médical, 3ième édition, Paris, 2003.
Marcovitch H., Black's Medical Dictionary, 41st edition, London, 2005.
Leikin J. B., Lipsky M. S., Complete Medical Encyclopedia, First edition, New York, 2003.
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (www.wikipedia.org).
Last update: 25th of November 2007.