Endodontics is the treatment of dental root canals. The purpose of this dentistry area is to destroy the microorganisms in the root canal system, this way protecting the teeth and surrounding tissues from the infection.
Endodontic treatment is required when the tooth pulp (the soft tissue of a tooth consisting of blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic vessels) is affected by infection or inflammation. If left untreated, the tooth may become not viable, as well as an abscess (the so-called swelling) may form and toothache may occur.