Endodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with inner pulp of the tooth and tissues surrounding its root. The tooth pulp, which contains the nerves, blood, and lynph vessels, can become diseased or injured and be unable to repair itself. When this happens, the pulp dies and endodontic (usually root canal) treatment is required.

At Smilebuilderz in Lancaster, our professional team includes an endodontist; i.e a dentist who specializes in endodontics, so there is no need for our patients to be referred out when root canal therapy (endodontic) becomes necessary. Dentists specializing in this field complete an additional 2-3 years of training following dental school.

The most common procedure done in endodontics, as above, is what is commonly referred to as root canal therapy, which involves the removal of diseased pulp tissue. The aim of treatment is to remove infection usually caused by bacteria from inside the tooth.

If left unattended, the infection would leak out of the tooth's root and make the surrounding bone and gum area diseased and painful. Once the bad tissues are removed, the body's defense system can then repair the damage created by disease. In the past, this procedure usually required 2-3 visits to your dentist. Today, thanks to new technology, it it very possible to complete the procedure in one visit.

During this procedure at Smilebuilderz of Lancaster, a patient may want to use an alternative anesthetic to the standard Novacaine which is Nitrous Oxide which makes the procedure pain-free.

A rubber dam is placed over the affected tooth in order to isolate it and provide a clean environment. An opening is made on the top of the tooth and the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned throughly followed by filling and sealing the tooth.

Many times, the treated, and healed tooth will still need to be strengthened and restored, usually by a new "crown".

Dental crowns greatly add to the strength of the newly restructured tooth and prevent it from being seriously damaged. Such damage may require the tooth to be replaced by a dental implant or some form of dental bridge.

Again, whether its root canal work, dental crowns, dental bridgework, dentures or general family dentistry needs, . . . At Smilebuilderz in Lancaster, it can all be done under one roof where all your family dental records, dental insurance, and dental financing, are available, for the entire family.