Which specialty performs root canal treatment?

• A. Oral Surgery
• B. Orthodontics
• C. Periodontics
• D. Endodontics

Answer: (D)

Root canal treatment targets the inner tissues of a tooth—the pulp and surrounding root tissues—and requires specialized techniques to clean, shape, disinfect, and seal the root canal system. The dental specialty that focuses on diagnosing and managing problems in the pulp and the tissues around the root is endodontics. Endodontists receive advanced training to handle complex root canal cases, retreatments, and related procedures, which is why root canal therapy is the hallmark procedure associated with this field. While general dentists can perform many routine root canals, endodontics is the area dedicated to treating the internal anatomy of teeth and preserving them when the pulp is affected.

Other specialties focus on different aspects: oral surgery deals with surgical procedures on teeth and surrounding structures; orthodontics concentrates on aligning and leveling teeth and correcting bite issues; periodontics focuses on the gums and the supporting tissues around teeth.