Which statement about endodontic therapy is true?

• A. It is primarily used to treat periodontal pockets.
• B. It aims to extract the tooth entirely.
• C. It aims to clean, shape, and seal the root canal system to preserve the tooth.
• D. It uses only antibiotics without any mechanical cleaning.

Answer: (C)

Endodontic therapy aims to save a tooth by removing diseased pulp, disinfecting and shaping the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection. The process starts with accessing the pulp chamber, removing inflamed or necrotic tissue, and cleaning and enlarging the canals with specialized instruments. Irrigation with antimicrobial solutions helps reduce bacteria and biofilm within the complex root canal anatomy. After cleaning, the canals are filled (obturated) with gutta-percha and sealer, then the tooth is restored to prevent leakage and reinfection. This approach preserves the natural tooth and its function when possible.

It’s not about treating periodontal pockets, which involve the tissues surrounding the tooth and require periodontal therapy. It’s not about extracting the tooth; endodontic therapy seeks to retain the tooth. Antibiotics alone do not resolve infections inside the root canal system and cannot substitute for mechanical cleaning and thorough obturation, though they may be used as adjuncts in some systemic situations.