Endodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on which procedure?

• A. Root canal therapy
• B. Gum grafting
• C. Orthodontic braces
• D. Dental implants

Answer: (A)

Endodontics centers on the inside of the tooth—the pulp and root canal system—and on treating disease or injury in those tissues to save the natural tooth. The hallmark procedure is root canal therapy, which involves removing diseased or dead pulp tissue, cleaning and shaping the root canals, disinfecting them, and sealing the space to prevent reinfection. This approach directly addresses the tooth’s internal tissues and aims to preserve the tooth rather than replace it. The other options align with different specialties: gum grafting relates to periodontics, braces to orthodontics, and dental implants to prosthodontics or oral surgery.