Did you know May is Save Your Tooth Month? It’s a national awareness campaign led by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), and here at Eastern Idaho Endodontics, we’re proud to support its message: Your natural teeth are worth saving.

As endodontists, preserving your natural teeth is at the heart of everything we do. Root canals, retreatments, and even apicoectomies are all designed to give your tooth a second chance—so you can keep smiling, chewing, and speaking comfortably for years to come.

Let’s take a moment to talk about why saving your tooth matters and how modern endodontic care can make it possible.

Why It’s Better to Save a Tooth Than Replace It

You might be thinking, “Why not just pull the tooth and get an implant?” While dental implants and bridges are great options when necessary, nothing is as strong or natural as your own tooth. If the root is still healthy enough to be treated, endodontic procedures like root canals are often the best long-term solution.

Saving your natural tooth:

  • Maintains proper bite and jaw function

  • Prevents other teeth from shifting

  • Keeps your chewing efficiency strong

  • Avoids more complex and costly dental work down the road

In other words, it’s not just about stopping the pain—it’s about protecting your overall health and quality of life.

Common Signs Your Tooth Might Need Saving

Here are some warning signs to watch for. If you notice any of these, it might be time to schedule an evaluation:

  • Persistent or sharp tooth pain

  • Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold

  • Swelling or tenderness around the gums

  • A darkened tooth

  • A bump or pimple on the gums (possible abscess)

These symptoms could mean your tooth’s pulp is infected or inflamed—and a root canal might be the best way to treat it.

What We Do as Endodontists

Our entire focus is saving natural teeth. That’s why general dentists refer patients to us for specialized care. We use advanced tools—like microscopes, digital imaging, and laser-assisted root canal technology—to treat infections precisely and comfortably.

Procedures we perform include:

  • Root Canal Therapy

  • Root Canal Retreatment

  • Apicoectomy (root-end surgery)

  • Diagnosis and treatment of unexplained tooth pain

Even if you’ve already had a root canal, we can often retreat or revise previous work to give your tooth the best possible chance.

How You Can Celebrate Save Your Tooth Month

You don’t need balloons or confetti to participate—just a little awareness goes a long way. This month is the perfect time to:

  • Schedule your dental check-up
  • Ask questions if you’ve been told you need an extraction
  • Pay attention to tooth pain instead of brushing it off
  • Refer a friend or loved one for an endodontic evaluation

And if you’re feeling curious, the AAE has a fantastic Save Your Tooth Month resource page with educational videos and helpful tips.

Let’s Save Your Smile—Together

At Eastern Idaho Endodontics, we believe every tooth has a story—and we want yours to last a lifetime. This Save Your Tooth Month, let’s spread the word about how modern root canal therapy can prevent tooth loss and bring lasting relief.

If you have questions, concerns, or just want to explore your options, we’re always here to help. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation.