Tooth Top Hole

The apical foramen (foramen apicis dentis, pna, bna, jna) is a small hole located at the apex of the tooth root. It connects the pulp chamber of the tooth with the periodontal ligament.

Blood vessels and nerves pass through the opening at the top of the tooth, supplying the tooth pulp. It also serves to drain tissue fluid from the pulp chamber. The hole diameter is usually 0.2-0.8 mm.

After removing the pulp and devitalizing the tooth, the apical hole is sealed to prevent infection from entering the root canals.

The opening of the tooth apex plays an important role in the blood supply and innervation of the pulp. Its damage or filling can lead to the development of inflammatory processes in the pulp and periapical tissues.