Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with internal tooth tissue, its pathologies, and correlated diseases. When theses tissues or the tissue that surrounds the root of the tooth become diseased or damaged by trauma or caries, endodontic treatment allows us to save the tooth. These kinds of treatments become necessary when the dental pulp (the soft tissue inside a tooth) becomes inflamed or infected. Dental pulp or nerve is a highly specialized tissue, consisting of arteries, veins, nerve endings and connecting cells.

During development, this tissue forms the calcified supporting dental structure (dentine). In adults, the pulp (now considerably thinner) is confined to the pulp chamber and the root canal, having only residual sensitivity function and dentin hydration. Endodontics aims to preserve teeth that have been badly damaged, along with the consequent infection, pulp necrosis, and the acute or chronic repercussions. These can often be very painful.

In some cases, it may be necessary to repeat root canal treatment (devitalization) if the earlier procedures no longer have effect.

A good endodontic technique is often at the base of saving a tooth in the long term.