Principles of endodontic therapy.

Endodontics is that branch of dentistry concerned with the treatment of damaged or diseased dental pulp. Veterinarians are now being asked to preserve tooth function and structure rather than to extract injured or diseased teeth. A variety of instruments are available that facilitate endodontic treatment. Endodontic treatment involves preparation (filing), sterilization, and obturation (filling) of the pulp cavity. Properly performed, endodontic therapy can effectively preserve dental structure and function. Complications of endodontic therapy will be discussed in "Problem Solving in Veterinary Endodontics" on page 165 in this issue.