Which branch of dental care focuses on root canals?

Endodontics is the branch of dental care that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues. This includes performing root canal procedures, which are essential when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep cavities, trauma, or other factors. During a root canal, the dentist removes the damaged or infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and then fills and seals it to prevent further infection.

This specialization is critical for saving teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted due to severe infection or decay. Other dental specialties, such as periodontics, orthodontics, and prosthodontics, focus on different aspects of dental care, such as gum health, alignment of teeth, and the creation of prosthetic devices, respectively. These fields do not deal specifically with the treatment of the pulp within the tooth, highlighting the unique role of endodontics in maintaining dental health.