Endodontics is the dental field specialized in treating disease of the pulpal and periapical tissues.  The focus of endodontics is to prevent or cure inflammation of the periapical tissues through root canal therapy, root canal retreatment, and apical surgery.  These procedures are aimed at the elimination of bacteria within the root canal system.  The ultimate goal is to save your tooth.

Anatomy

The root canal is a space within the root of a tooth that contains the pulp, which consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.  These tissues are essential during tooth development to allow proper root formation.  After the tooth is fully formed, the pulp tissues provide a feedback response to irritants, such as bacteria and their toxins.  The pulp is vulnerable to bacteria and can become inflamed or infected by a rapidly approaching cavity.

Etiology

The main cause of a tooth infection is bacteria.  The immune system within the pulp can defend itself from small amounts of bacteria, but it can easily be overwhelmed as the bacteria increase.  An infected root canal can lead to a condition known as apical periodontitis, which is inflammation and loss of bone around the root tips.  Apical periodontitis may be asymptomatic or may present as discomfort to chewing, biting, or tapping the tooth.  Sometimes pain is spontaneous and without provocation.