The aim of endodontics is maintaining healthy teeth, without having to extract the tooth. A root canal is a treatment which involves cutting deep into the tooth when the area is damaged. This procedure is performed when there is widespread dental decay or fracture that causes an inflammation or death of the dental pulp. The technique involves removing the nerve, cleaning out the root canal and then sealing it with a thermoplastic material and cement or other sealing material. Subsequently, various radiographs are necessary to ensure the accuracy of the result. The term root canal is also used as a synonym for endodontology, a branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the dental pulp.