South Mountain Endodontics

Dentists today are doing everything possible to save teeth. But sometimes patients don't understand their options or they feel that having a tooth
extracted is the easiest and most economical way to treat the problem.

More than 40 million teeth are extracted each year and many of these extractions are unnecessary.

Dr. Chad Molen at South Mountain Endodontics wants you to know that saving a tooth should always be the first choice for the greatest health and
cosmetic results, and offers these tips for obtaining the best possible dental treatment. Dr. Molen specializes in one appointment root canals as well
as post and instrument removal.

1. If given a choice between endodontic (root canal) therapy or tooth extraction, always choose endodontic therapy. Dentistry has yet to produce a
denture, bridge or implant that functions as well as a natural tooth.

2. If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, ask whether endodontic therapy is an option, and if not, why not.

3. If your dentist says that an endodontic procedure would be very difficult and might fail, ask about referral to Dr. Chad Molen at South Mountain
Endodontics. Endodontists are dentists with two additional years advanced training in root canal procedures who limit their practices to root canals
and specialize in difficult cases.

4. Endodontic treatment may cost more than an extraction, but it will provider greater benefits. When a tooth is extracted bone loss always occurs, it
should be replaced to prevent other teeth from shifting and to prevent future periodontal disease (gum disease), if not for cosmetic reasons alone. The
cost of the denture or bridge, plus the extraction, almost always is more than an endodontic procedure that would save the tooth. Most dental
insurance plans cover endodontic therapy.

5. Never choose extraction because you think endodontic therapy will be painful. Modern techniques and effective anesthesia make the treatment
virtually painless. Post procedure discomfort is generally greater with tooth extraction than root canal treatment.

6. Never choose extraction because it is quicker. Endodontic treatments at a specialist generally require only one visit lasting about one hour.
Extraction may take slightly less time, but you still require anesthetic for the extraction, and the denture or bridge will require multiple visits with your
dentist.