May is Save Your Tooth Month, an annual celebration of tooth-saving procedures and the endodontists responsible for saving teeth. It’s also an important reminder that while having a tooth pulled may seem like the easiest option when you have tooth pain from an infection or disease, saving your natural teeth is best.
According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), a missing tooth can impact your quality of life and self-confidence, cause other teeth to shift, affect your ability to chew properly, and lead to more problems down the road — and a lot more cost. Tooth extraction is often more painful than the infection itself, and replacing an extracted tooth with an artificial one requires additional dental visits that can quickly add up.
“Modern endodontics offers advancements in technologies, procedures and materials, giving you many treatment options to save your natural teeth. It’s important to understand your choices and how they’ll impact both your tooth and your future dental health,” says Dr. Natasha M. Flake, president of the AAE.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions about what to do when you are experiencing tooth pain or infection. That’s why the AAE is offering these teeth-saving tips:
- While the phrase “I’d rather have a root canal” may be meant as a joke, it’s actually good advice. When given a choice between tooth extraction and root canal treatment, always opt for a root canal. Not only is root canal treatment from an endodontist virtually painless, no denture, bridge or implant will look, feel and function as well as a natural tooth. In short, the beginning of a root canal procedure means the end of tooth pain.
- Act immediately when you experience symptoms of swelling or pain. Most endodontists can accommodate emergency cases, even on weekends, ensuring you’ll be seen quickly.
- If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, ask whether having a root canal is an option.
- If you’re told a root canal is not an option, ask why and request a referral to an endodontist, or use the AAE’s Find My Endodontist search tool at findmyendodontist.com to find a practice near you. Endodontists are specialists in saving teeth. They can evaluate your condition and provide the best treatment plan to help you save your teeth for a lifetime.
“In a disposable era, some things are worth preserving. It’s always best to retain your natural teeth whenever possible and endodontic treatment, which helps you maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love, and limits the need for ongoing dental work, should be your first choice for the best health and cosmetic results,” says Dr. Flake.