Every year, when we hit the month of May, we take some time to celebrate the importance of saving natural teeth in the best way we know how as Endodontists. In years past, we’ve always been so impressed with the overall response to this national initiative and love to celebrate with patients as, together, we remind others that a healthier mouth equals a healthier you! The Save a Tooth event is sponsored by the American Association of Endodontists and aimed at making people aware of their endodontic treatment options.

Why celebrate natural teeth, you ask? Stick with us below as we outline why this month is so very important to our community.

Why Save a Tooth?

When possible, you should always consider treatments to save your teeth. You may think, why not have a tooth pulled? It seems like the best option, right? The problem we see with most patients is that they don’t understand the literal gap they will feel every day in missing a tooth that often negatively impacts overall quality of life.

Missing teeth can also cause other teeth to shift, affecting your ability to properly chew and bite down. This ultimately leads to more problems down the road. Tooth extraction is also very painful. Even if you were to get an artificial tooth in place, getting it implanted can be painful and require quite a few follow-up visits.

By saving your natural tooth, you avoid these issues and keep the oral quality you desire. Your teeth do much more than just chew food. Teeth have nerves that send communication to the brain. These messages tell your brain how hard to chew, thereby protecting your teeth from biting down too hard. Implants do not have nerves and so the sensory connection with the brain is lost.

Always aim to keep your natural teeth whenever possible, and for the best health and aesthetic results, endodontic treatment should always be your first choice.

How Endodontic Treatment Can Save Your Teeth

Endodontic treatment is always a good route to take, especially when teeth may be extracted. Endodontists are incredibly qualified to save your natural teeth because:

• They receive two extra years of specialty training after receiving their degree as a dentist.
• They learn how to perform root canals, apicoectomies, and other helpful endodontic treatments designed to improve oral health.
• Their practice is focused, performing as many as 25 root canals per week.
• They use techniques and special tools that protect and prevent issues with teeth.
• They work closely with general dentists, so it is easy to get a consultation and referral if your tooth needs endodontic treatment to preserve it.

Our team at Endodontic Specialists have a combination of advanced training, access to unique tools and techniques, and trusted frequency in handling root canals and other forms of endodontic treatment, making sure our patients experience comfort and peace of mind.

What Are Your Next Steps?

First and foremost to save a tooth, be sure to regularly brush and floss your teeth twice a day to keep bacteria and disease from infecting teeth and gums. This is basic care but preventative care! Second, be sure you schedule and attend your bi-annual teeth cleaning and exam every year. And third, be sure to eat and drink nutritious meals that won’t decay your teeth over time. Protecting your pearly whites with good fruits, veggies, dairy, and carbs is possible and attainable.

Do you have a tooth or multiple teeth that have been bothering you, but you’re nervous about getting help? Do you need an endodontist, but don’t know where to start looking for the right fit? When teeth are causing pain and discomfort, there’s a good chance they may be infected or diseased. Sometimes it’s easier just to tell your dentist to pull the painful tooth, but that can negatively affect not just your oral health but your overall quality of life and confidence.

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Give us a call today and we’ll get you scheduled for a pain-free appointment, intent not only on saving your natural teeth, but focusing on a healthier you!