May is Save Your Tooth Month, an annual celebration of tooth-saving procedures and the endodontists responsible for saving teeth.

Nothing looks, feels or functions like your natural tooth. Regular brushing and flossing, along with six-month check-ups from your dentist, can help you keep your teeth for a lifetime.

Sometimes your teeth may have infection or disease and will need additional care. When possible, you should always consider treatments to save your teeth.

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.

About the American Association of Endodontists:
The AAE is headquartered in Chicago and represents more than 8,000 members worldwide. Endodontics is one of 12 dental specialties formally recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAE, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service. For more information about the AAE, visit the Association’s website at aae.org. For more patient focused information, visit aae.org/patients.