What is the purpose of endodontics in dentistry?

Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries affecting the dental pulp and the surrounding tissues of the root of a tooth. The primary purpose of endodontics is to preserve a tooth that has been compromised by decay, injury, or infection by treating the pulp tissue. This involves performing procedures such as root canal therapy, which removes infected or damaged pulp, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and fills the space to prevent further infection.

This aspect of dental care is crucial because it helps to alleviate pain caused by pulp issues and prevents the need for tooth extraction, thus maintaining the integrity of the patient's natural dentition. Preserving natural teeth is essential for overall oral health, functioning, and aesthetics.

While the other options listed involve various dental procedures like prosthodontics for tooth replacement, cosmetic dentistry for whitening, and orthodontics for alignment, they do not address the specific focus of endodontics, which is dedicated solely to handling the health and treatment of the dental pulp and root structures.