Nothing is as good as your natural tooth!

Saving your natural tooth should always be your first choice when dental care is needed. Nothing, not even the most advanced bridges and implants, can truly replace your natural tooth.

• If your dentist recommends extracting your tooth, ask if it can be saved with an endodontic procedure, also known as root canal treatment. Endodontic treatment removes the injured pulp (soft inner tissue) of your tooth and fills and seals the space. Your tooth is then restored and can function just like any other tooth for the rest of your life, ensuring comfortable chewing and a natural appearance.
• Although some general dentists perform root canal procedures, many refer their patients to endodontists. Endodontists are specialists who have two to three years’ additional training after dental school and limit their practices to endodontic procedures. They can often save the most severely injured teeth.
• If your tooth cannot be saved — and some cannot — you may consider replacements such as a bridge or dental implant. Your options may depend upon the condition of surrounding teeth and bone structure.
• Dental implant procedures can be complex, costly, often require several visits and several month’s healing time before the procedure can be completed.

Do everything possible to save your teeth before considering extraction. Nothing is as good as your natural tooth!