Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that deals with the study and treatment of dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the roots of teeth. Some synonyms for endodontics include root canal treatment, endodontic therapy, pulp therapy, and root canal therapy. These terms are used interchangeably to describe the procedures that endodontists perform to save teeth that have suffered from decay, trauma, or infection. Endodontic therapy is a complex process that involves the removal of infected or inflamed pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and filling them with a sterile material to prevent further infection. The goal of endodontics is to save natural teeth whenever possible, rather than extracting them and replacing them with artificial alternatives.