# Endodontists promote tooth preservation during May awareness month  
**Published:** 2026-05-11T13:41:07.000Z  
**Source:** [Kentucky Health News](https://kyhealthnews.net/2026/05/11/may-is-save-your-tooth-month-here-are-tips-from-endodontists-to-do-just-that/)  
**AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001)  
**Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/endodontists-promote-tooth-preservation-during-may-awareness-month

Dental specialists are using May to encourage patients to preserve natural teeth rather than resort to extraction, highlighting advances in tooth-saving procedures like root canal treatment.

[Save Your Tooth Month](https://kyhealthnews.net/2026/05/11/may-is-save-your-tooth-month-here-are-tips-from-endodontists-to-do-just-that/) kicks off awareness about the importance of keeping natural teeth whenever possible, according to [the American Association of Endodontists](https://www.aae.org/patients/why-see-an-endodontist/save-your-tooth-month/). When a tooth is infected or gives pain, extraction may seem like the easiest option, but about 78% of those surveyed agree they would do almost anything to avoid losing one of their natural teeth.

Root canal treatment is a safe, effective, and virtually pain-free procedure that can relieve discomfort and restore function. During the procedure, an endodontist removes inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the root canal, then fills and seals the space. Afterward, the patient returns to their dentist, who places a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.

Any time patients experience lingering sensitivity, swelling or severe pain, they should ask their dentist for a referral to an endodontist, who are specialists uniquely trained to relieve tooth pain and preserve natural teeth.

Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene at home can help prevent issues that could lead to tooth loss. More than a third of Americans surveyed say they've seen conflicting or confusing information online about dental procedures such as root canals.

"Natural teeth are both irreplaceable and central to your overall well-being," says Dr. Craig Noblett, president of the American Association of Endodontists. "Be sure to get timely, proper dental care from an endodontist whenever you experience pain, discomfort or a dental injury."

While general dentists know how to perform root canals, endodontists spend at least two extra years in training focusing solely on endodontic procedures. Kentucky residents can access endodontic specialists through multiple local practices, including [Central Kentucky Endodontics](https://www.ckyendo.com/) in Lexington and [the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry's endodontics program](https://dentistry.uky.edu/endodontics), which is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation with "fully accredited without any recommendations" status.

For trusted information about tooth pain and care, patients can visit https://www.aae.org/sytm to learn more about endodontic treatment options and find specialists in their area.

## Sources

- [Kentucky Health News](https://kyhealthnews.net/2026/05/11/may-is-save-your-tooth-month-here-are-tips-from-endodontists-to-do-just-that/)
- [American Association of Endodontists' Save Your Tooth Month page](https://www.aae.org/patients/why-see-an-endodontist/save-your-tooth-month/)
- [Central Kentucky Endodontics in Lexington](https://www.ckyendo.com/)
- [University of Kentucky College of Dentistry Endodontics Program](https://dentistry.uky.edu/endodontics)

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This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from Kentucky Health News, enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at https://kyhealthnews.net/2026/05/11/may-is-save-your-tooth-month-here-are-tips-from-endodontists-to-do-just-that/.