Endodontics, a dental specialty recognized by the American Dental Association, focuses on the treatment of the tooth's pulp and surrounding tissues, primarily through root canal procedures. When you examine your tooth in the mirror, you can only see the visible part called the crown, while the root remains concealed beneath the gum line. The root is composed of dentin, a hard tissue, and a soft tissue known as the pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves. If bacteria enter the pulp due to tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture, or other issues, it can lead to significant damage. In such cases, an endodontic specialist like removes the infected pulp to save the tooth, prevent further infection, and reduce inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth regains its normal functionality.