Endodontics is a branch of dentistry involving treatment of the dental pulp (nerve and blood vessels) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. When you look at your tooth in the mirror, you see the "crowns" of your teeth. Each tooth has a "root" which is hidden beneath the gum line. A tooth can have as few as one and as many as five roots. Bacteria can be introduced into or near the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture or other problems, and can severely damage the pulp. With time, the damaged pulp may die and infect the surrounding bone and gums. When that happens, an Endodontist removes the diseased pulp to save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation - this is called a "Root Canal".