Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, and we believe that taking care of your teeth is an important way of showing yourself love and care. Oral health is connected to our overall health, so maintaining a healthy smile benefits more than just your appearance. Dr. James A. Penney is an experienced endodontist who’s been providing dental care in Central Arkansas for over 20 years. As an endodontist, Dr. Penney specializes in saving teeth. Saving a tooth through endodontic treatment should always be the first choice for the best results. By saving your natural teeth, you’ll save your ability to efficiently chew, bite normally, eat your favorite foods, maintain your natural appearance, and limit the need for more expensive, ongoing dental work. For tips from our trusted team for a healthier smile, keep reading!
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
To prevent damage, disease, or infection from affecting your teeth, it is important to maintain good oral health practices. Here are our tips for caring for your smile:
- Brush and floss regularly to clean teeth and remove food particles and bacteria
- Eat sugary and sweet food in moderation to prevent tooth decay and cavities
- Eat foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and dairy products that help generate saliva that naturally cleanses your mouth
- Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially while eating
- Schedule routine check-ups with your dental provider
Talk to an Endodontist for Treatment Options
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, this could indicate damage, disease, or decay. Don’t delay seeking care. The sooner you see an endodontist for an evaluation, the better the chances of saving your natural tooth. Depending on the problem, there are treatment options available. Here are some of our tooth saving tips for those experiencing tooth pain:
- When choosing between root canal treatment or tooth extraction, always choose root canal treatment! Nothing will look as real as your natural tooth. A denture, bridge, or implant, just isn’t the same. If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, ask whether a root canal treatment is an option.
- If your provider does not offer endodontic treatment, ask for a referral to an endodontist. Endodontists are dentists who specialize in saving teeth! They are experts at diagnosing and relieving tooth pain and use advanced equipment to treat patients quickly and comfortably.
- Extracting a tooth will require artificial replacements in order to prevent your other teeth from shifting and from experiencing future dental problems. The cost of tooth replacement is often higher than the cost of an endodontic procedure to save your teeth! Patients who choose to have a root canal are six times more likely to experience a “painless” procedure than those who choose extraction.
To learn more about the team and the procedures available at Dr. Penney’s office, click here. Have questions or want to schedule an appointment? Call 501-227-7668 today!