Endodontics
Meet Our Endodontics Specialist, Dr. O'Dell
Having spent several years as a general dentist before completing her endodontic specialty at USC, Dr. O'Dell spent 20 years as an endodontic practitioner in Southern California while teaching part-time at both USC and UCLA. She has since served as the interim program director for the advanced program in endodontics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and retired from instruction as chair of the department of endodontics at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry. She also served on the peer review committee and as a delegate for the CDA. Her appointments include President for the California State Association of Endodontists, President for the ABE College of Diplomates, CODA site visitor, and member of the AAE Educational and Practice Affairs Committees. Dr. O’Dell is currently serving as the secretary and member of the executive committee for the ACLM.​​
Nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding tissue
Endodontics is the area of dentistry focused on caring for the inside of your tooth — especially when the soft tissue (called the dental pulp) becomes injured or infected. When pain, sensitivity, or deep decay affects the living tissue inside a tooth, endodontic care steps in to protect your smile and preserve your natural tooth whenever possible.
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In essence, endodontic treatment is all about comfort, relief, and keeping your natural teeth strong. One of the most common procedures in this specialty is root canal therapy, a gentle, precise process that removes infected tissue, thoroughly cleans and seals the inside of the tooth, and stops pain so you can get back to smiling without worry. By treating the nerve and root system of a troubled tooth, endodontics can often save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted, preserving your bite for years to come.
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Just like all of the care offered at Light Dental Studios, endodontic services are delivered with expert skill, compassionate support, and a focus on your comfort every step of the way.
A root canal is a highly effective treatment designed to relieve pain and save your natural tooth. When the inner portion of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected due to decay, cracks, or injury, root canal therapy removes the damaged tissue, carefully cleans and disinfects the area, and seals the tooth to prevent future problems.
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Despite its reputation, a proper root canal is focused on comfort and relief. With modern techniques and advanced technology, the procedure is typically no more uncomfortable than a routine filling. Most importantly, it allows you to keep your natural tooth, preserving your smile, maintaining proper bite alignment, and preventing the need for more extensive treatment down the road.
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Our approach centers on precision, efficiency, and compassionate care. From your initial evaluation through your final restoration, every step is designed to ensure you feel informed, supported, and at ease.
Root Canals
