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Toothsavingtips

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AAE members may reprint


this position statement for
distribution to patients or
referring dentists.

Tooth Saving Tips


AAE Fact Sheet
About This Document
Patients today have more options than ever before to treat their teeth.
Understanding your choices and their impact on your future dental health
and lifestyle is important. Read on to learn why nothing is as good as your
©2013 natural tooth and get simple tips for saving your teeth!

Saving a natural tooth through endodontic treatment should always be


the first choice for the best health and cosmetic results. There are many
advantages to saving your natural tooth:

• efficient chewing
• normal biting force,so you can continue to eat your favorite foods
• maintains a natural appearance
• limits the need for more costly, ongoing dental work

Tips for Saving Your Teeth


1. If you are given a choice between root canal treatment or tooth extraction,
always choose root canal treatment. Dentistry has yet to produce a denture,
bridge or implant that looks,feels and functions as well as a natural tooth.
2. If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, ask whether root canal
treatment is an option.
3. If your dentist says that an endodontic procedure is not an option, ask why,
and request a referral to an endodontist. Endodontists are dentists who
specialize in saving teeth, and have at least two years of advanced training
in root canal procedures. They are experts at diagnosing and relieving
tooth pain, and use advanced equipment to treat patients quickly and
comfortably. Your dentist probably has partnerships with endodontists in
your area already.

What to Avoid
Never choose extraction because you think it will be cheaper! When
a natural tooth is extracted, it must be replaced with an artificial tooth to
The guidance in this
prevent other teeth from shifting, and to prevent future dental problems. The
statement is not intended
to substitute for a clinician’s cost of a denture, bridge or implant,plus the extraction, often is higher than
independent judgment in the cost of an endodontic procedure that would save the tooth for years to
light of the conditions and come. Most dental insurance plans cover endodontic treatment.
needs of a specific patient.

AAE Fact Sheet – Tooth Saving Tips | Page 1


Never choose extraction because you think root canal The American Association of Endodontists is dedicated to
treatment will be painful! Modern techniques and effective the highest standard of patient care. For more information
anesthesia make root canal treatment virtually painless. about saving your teeth or endodontic treatment, contact us!
In fact, discomfort after the procedure is generally greater
with a tooth extraction. Patients who have experienced root American Association of Endodontists
canal treatment are six times more likely to describe it as 180 N. Stetson Ave., Suite 1500
“painless” than patients who have not had a root canal. Chicago,IL 60601

Never choose extraction because you think it will be Phone: 800/872-3636 (U.S.,Canada and Mexico)
quicker! Endodontic treatments generally require one or 312/266-7255
to two visits lasting less than an hour each. An extraction Fax: 866-461-9020 (U.S.,Canada and Mexico)
requires one visit, but the denture, bridge or implant will or 312/266-9867
require several additional visits with your dentist. Email: info@aae.org
To locate a root canal specialist near you, visit the American Website: www.aae.org
Association of Endodontists website at www.aae.org Twitter: @savingyourteeth

Access additional resources at www.aae.org

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