It’s fact – maintenance costs less than replacement. While dental implants provide hope for those suffering tooth loss, the costs of preservation – both financial and physical – are often far lower.
The American Association of Endodontists sponsors Save Your Tooth Month each May to highlight the importance of receiving care to retain your natural teeth. Endodontists perform many of the 15 million root canals done annually, handling an average of 25 per week (general dentists perform an average of two per week). Endodontists complete years of training beyond dental school, learning to preserve compromised natural teeth and manage patient discomfort with cutting-edge technology and surgical techniques.
Reasons To See An Endodontist To Help Save Your Tooth
Our natural teeth are facing new threats. COVID-19 continues to change our lives, and many patients are still reeling from its impacts. Isolation and turmoil result in increased persons reporting cracked teeth as a result of grinding their teeth. Many families chose or have been forced to forgo regular dental check-ups, or to put off badly needed dental work.
Endodontists can help diagnose confusing cases of tooth pain. With so many patients delaying routine care, the number of toothaches that do not receive proper diagnosis or treatment has risen. Injured or infected teeth can present odd or intermittent types of pain while damage continues in tooth pulp and root canals. If left untreated, the periodontal ligament and gums can become involved. Endodontists can work with other specialists to determine what’s happening and how to save your natural teeth.
An endodontist has probably dealt with a case like yours before. No matter how complex the challenge, it is probably familiar to your endodontist. Many endodontists have close referral relationships to general dentists and other specialty dentists, so if your challenge requires attention beyond the scope of their practice, they can help you find the right provider.
Your teeth are worth saving! The social impact of lost teeth can be profound. Our culture values capturing memories with photos and scrapbooks – and learning how to “smile for the camera” to de-emphasize your tooth loss can be a difficult and unpleasant chore. Natural teeth make the best smile.
“We encourage everyone to learn more about how endodontists practice in the 21st century,” says Dr. Susan L. Wood, at the Phoenix Endodontics Group. “In the last generation, root canals and other procedures to save natural teeth have become easier, more successful, and more comfortable for patients. Don’t let fear keep you from treatment that may save your teeth!”
“Dealing with tooth loss is more than an oral health issue – its consequences can reverberate throughout your entire body,” adds Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with Dr. Wood. “Endodontists have specialized tools for saving natural teeth and helping you keep them for a lifetime.”
