1. The branch of dentistry concerned with diagnosis, treatment, and the prevention of diseases of the dental pulp and its surrounding tissues.
2. The study of diseases of the dental pulp and their condition following the occurrence of a preceding disease; also endodontics.

Root canal treatment is also known as endodontic therapy. Having a root canal generally involves treatment of the tooth's pulpal tissue (or nerve).

In addition to nerve fibers, the pulpal tissue also contains arteries, veins, lymph vessels, and connective tissue.

Root canals are often the most feared procedure by regular visitors to the dentist's office, although it is claimed to be, in most cases, a fairly uncomplicated and low-pain treatment.