Endodontics is derived from the Greek words “endo,” which means “inside” and “odont,” which means tooth. More specifically, it is a dental specialty that focuses on the treatment of the dental pulp. This pulp exists within the center of a tooth and is comprised of living connective tissue, nerves, blood vessels and special cells known as odontoblasts. Through endodontic procedures, dental specialists attempt to preserve tooth function by treating or removing these tissues and cells as necessary. This process is called root canal treatment.

Root canal is a lay persons' term for endodontic therapy or root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp (aka "nerve") inside the tooth becomes irreversibly damaged or infected. This irreversible damage is a result of combined injuries that occur over the life of the tooth (decay, trauma, multiple restorations). Root canal therapy is the removal of the entire pulp throughout the root canal system (a tooth can have several roots and a canal or two within those roots), the cleaning and shaping of the canal system, and filling the canals with a polyester synthetic root canal filling and a dental sealer. In most of the time, teeth that are root canal treated should be covered with dental crown to prevent the treated tooth from further fractures and damages because treated teeth are more prone to fractures.

For more information read in the “what to expect” and “FAQ” sections.