Your natural teeth are irreplaceable assets that are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and treatment. At Full Smile Endodontics in Amarillo, TX, Dr. Steffan Scherer has dedicated over 25 years to the philosophy that preserving natural teeth should always be the primary goal when addressing dental problems. As a specialist in endodontic therapy, Dr. Scherer understands that while tooth extraction may seem like a quick solution to dental pain or infection, it often creates more complex problems and expenses down the road. Through advanced endodontic techniques and a commitment to conservative treatment approaches, Full Smile Endodontics helps patients save their natural teeth and maintain optimal oral health for decades to come.

The decision between saving a tooth and extracting it is one of the most important choices you'll make regarding your oral health. Dr. Scherer emphasizes that modern endodontic treatments offer remarkable success rates for preserving even severely damaged or infected teeth. With advanced imaging technology, including CBCT scans, and specialized techniques developed over decades of practice, many teeth that were once considered hopeless can now be successfully treated and maintained. Understanding the value of your natural teeth and the alternatives available to extraction empowers you to make informed decisions that benefit your long-term oral health and overall well-being.

The comprehensive endodontic services at Full Smile Endodontics, including root canal treatment, endodontic retreatment, endodontic surgery, and post and core buildup, are all designed with one primary goal: saving your natural teeth whenever possible. Dr. Scherer's expertise in these specialized procedures has allowed countless patients to avoid extractions and maintain their natural smiles while eliminating pain and infection.

Facing the possibility of tooth extraction? Don't give up on your natural teeth yet. Contact Full Smile Endodontics today at 806-410-3636 to explore how Dr. Scherer's specialized endodontic treatments can save your tooth and preserve your natural smile.

The Irreplaceable Value of Natural Teeth

Natural teeth possess unique characteristics that cannot be fully replicated by any artificial replacement, no matter how advanced. Your natural tooth roots provide essential stimulation to the jawbone, maintaining bone density and facial structure throughout your lifetime. When a tooth is extracted, this stimulation is lost, leading to gradual bone resorption that can affect your facial appearance and the stability of adjacent teeth. Dr. Scherer explains that preserving natural teeth maintains the integrity of your entire oral ecosystem, supporting proper chewing function, speech clarity, and facial aesthetics.

The root system of natural teeth provides proprioceptive feedback—the ability to sense pressure and position when biting and chewing. This natural sensory system allows for precise control when eating and helps protect your teeth and jaw joints from excessive force. Artificial replacements, while functional, cannot replicate this sophisticated feedback system that has evolved over millions of years. Preserving your natural teeth maintains this critical sensory function, allowing for more natural and comfortable eating experiences throughout your life.

From an economic perspective, saving natural teeth through endodontic treatment is almost always more cost-effective than extraction followed by replacement. While the initial cost of root canal therapy may seem significant, it pales in comparison to the lifetime costs of tooth replacement through dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures. Additionally, these replacement options often require maintenance, adjustments, or eventual replacement themselves, creating ongoing expenses that can be avoided by preserving your natural teeth.

Root Canal Treatment: The Gold Standard for Tooth Preservation

Root canal treatment represents the most common and successful method for saving severely infected or damaged teeth. Dr. Scherer performs this procedure to remove infected or inflamed pulp tissue from within the tooth while preserving the outer tooth structure. Modern root canal therapy has evolved significantly from outdated perceptions, utilizing advanced techniques and anesthesia that make the procedure comfortable and highly successful. The success rate for properly performed root canal treatment exceeds 95%, making it one of the most predictable procedures in dentistry.

The process begins with comprehensive diagnosis using CBCT imaging to assess the extent of infection and plan the most effective treatment approach. Dr. Scherer carefully accesses the infected pulp chamber, removes all diseased tissue, and thoroughly cleans and disinfects the root canal system. The cleaned canals are then shaped and filled with biocompatible materials that seal the tooth against future infection. Once the root canal treatment is complete, the tooth typically requires a crown to restore full function and protect against fracture.

Many patients are surprised to learn that a tooth can function normally for decades after root canal treatment. Once a tooth is fully developed, the surrounding tissues provide adequate nourishment, allowing the tooth to remain healthy and functional without its internal pulp. Dr. Scherer's expertise in performing thorough and precise root canal treatments ensures that patients can rely on their treated teeth for many years, often for the rest of their lives with proper care and maintenance.

Endodontic Retreatment: Second Chances for Failed Treatments

Sometimes, teeth that have previously undergone root canal treatment may develop new problems or fail to heal properly. Rather than accepting extraction as the only option, endodontic retreatment offers a second chance to save the tooth. Dr. Scherer specializes in these complex cases, using advanced techniques and technology to address the factors that led to the initial treatment failure. Retreatment success rates are excellent when performed by an experienced endodontist, often allowing patients to keep their natural teeth for many additional years.

Common reasons for retreatment include new decay that exposes the tooth to bacteria, delayed placement of the final restoration, or anatomical complexities that weren't fully addressed during initial treatment. Dr. Scherer carefully removes the existing filling materials, re-cleans the root canal system, and addresses any previously untreated canals or complications. Advanced imaging technology allows him to identify and treat areas that may have been missed during initial treatment, significantly improving the chances of long-term success.

The retreatment process requires specialized skills and equipment that not all dentists possess. Dr. Scherer's extensive training and experience with complex retreatment cases have saved countless teeth that other practitioners might have recommended for extraction. Patients often find that retreatment provides complete resolution of their symptoms while preserving their natural tooth structure for continued function and comfort.

Experiencing problems with a previously treated tooth? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Scherer at 806-410-3636 to explore retreatment options that could save your tooth and avoid the need for extraction and replacement.

Endodontic Surgery: Advanced Solutions for Complex Cases

When conventional root canal treatment or retreatment cannot fully resolve the problem, endodontic surgery provides advanced options for saving natural teeth. Dr. Scherer performs various surgical procedures, including apicoectomies (root-end resections), to address infections or damage that cannot be treated through traditional approaches. These procedures allow access to areas of the root that may be impossible to reach through conventional treatment, offering solutions for cases that might otherwise require extraction.

Apicoectomy, the most common type of endodontic surgery, involves removing the tip of the tooth root and placing a biocompatible seal to prevent future infection. This procedure is typically performed when infection persists around the root tip despite successful root canal treatment, or when retreatment is not feasible due to complications such as posts or complex restoration work. Dr. Scherer uses advanced CBCT imaging and microsurgical techniques to perform these procedures with minimal discomfort and excellent success rates.

Other surgical procedures include root repair surgery for teeth with fractured roots, and treatment for root resorption that threatens tooth survival. Dr. Scherer's surgical expertise allows him to address complex anatomical problems and save teeth that many general dentists would consider hopeless. The combination of advanced technology, specialized training, and years of experience enables Dr. Scherer to offer surgical solutions that preserve natural teeth while eliminating pain and infection.

Post and Core Buildup: Strengthening Compromised Teeth

Many teeth that require endodontic treatment have lost significant tooth structure due to decay, fracture, or previous dental work. Post and core buildup procedures provide the foundation necessary to restore these compromised teeth to full function. Dr. Scherer performs these procedures to create adequate support for crowns or other restorations, ensuring that weakened teeth can withstand normal chewing forces and remain functional for years to come.

The post and core procedure involves placing a metal or fiber post into the root canal space to provide internal reinforcement, then building up the crown portion of the tooth with strong, durable materials. This creates a solid foundation that can support a crown while maintaining the natural tooth root and its connection to the supporting bone and tissues. Without this procedure, many severely damaged teeth would require extraction because they lack sufficient structure to support traditional restorations.

Dr. Scherer carefully evaluates each case to determine the most appropriate approach for rebuilding damaged teeth. Sometimes a full post and core buildup is necessary, while other cases may require only core buildup using advanced bonding materials. His expertise in these procedures has allowed many patients to keep teeth that seemed beyond repair, avoiding the complexity and expense of tooth replacement while maintaining their natural smile.

The Consequences of Premature Extraction

Understanding what happens when natural teeth are lost helps illustrate why preservation should always be the preferred approach. Tooth extraction triggers a cascade of changes that affect not only the immediate area but the entire oral system. Within months of extraction, the surrounding bone begins to resorb, leading to changes in facial structure and potential complications for future tooth replacement options. Adjacent teeth may drift into the empty space, creating alignment problems and making the remaining teeth more difficult to clean effectively.

The loss of chewing efficiency following tooth extraction can affect nutrition and digestive health, particularly when multiple teeth are involved. Patients often unconsciously avoid certain foods that become difficult to chew, potentially leading to dietary deficiencies over time. The psychological impact of tooth loss can also be significant, affecting self-confidence and social interactions in ways that extend far beyond oral health concerns.

From a financial perspective, the lifetime cost of managing tooth loss through replacement and maintenance often exceeds the cost of preservation by a significant margin. Dental implants, while excellent tooth replacements, require surgical placement, healing time, and potential future maintenance. Bridges affect adjacent healthy teeth and may require replacement every 10-15 years. Partial dentures require adjustments and eventual replacement as the mouth continues to change over time.

Making Informed Decisions About Your Dental Health

The decision-making process regarding tooth preservation versus extraction should always involve careful consideration of all available options and their long-term implications. Dr. Scherer believes in providing patients with comprehensive information about their treatment choices, including realistic assessments of success probabilities and alternative approaches. His 25 years of experience allows him to provide accurate prognoses and help patients make decisions that align with their health goals and personal circumstances.

Some factors that influence treatment recommendations include the extent of tooth damage, the patient's overall health, their commitment to oral hygiene, and their long-term dental goals. While Dr. Scherer advocates strongly for tooth preservation, he also recognizes that extraction may sometimes be the most appropriate choice when teeth are beyond reasonable repair or when medical factors contraindicate complex treatment procedures.

The key to making good decisions lies in seeking evaluation from a qualified endodontist who can provide expert assessment of your specific situation. Dr. Scherer's specialized training and extensive experience with tooth preservation allow him to offer treatment options that many general dentists might not consider. Often, teeth that seem hopeless to non-specialists can be successfully treated and maintained for many years with appropriate endodontic care.

Don't let tooth extraction be your only option. Contact Full Smile Endodontics at 806-410-3636 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Scherer and discover how advanced endodontic treatments can preserve your natural teeth and maintain your healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.