Fewer Americans Fear Root Canals, More Want to Keep Their Natural Teeth

March 30 - April 5 is Root Canal Awareness Week

News provided by

American Association of Endodontists

Mar 31, 2014, 04:00 ET

CHICAGO, March 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Fewer Americans fear root canal treatment, according to a recent survey by the American Association of Endodontists. Just over half of those surveyed, 54 percent, said root canals make them apprehensive, down from 60 percent in 2013, and the lowest numbers reported since the AAE began its annual survey in 2011. In addition, more than three-quarters of Americans, 76 percent, say they would want to avoid losing a permanent tooth, something root canal treatment can help prevent.

"Thanks to advancements like modern anesthesia, digital imaging and operating microscopes, today's root canal treatments are often quick and painless," said AAE President Dr. Gary R. Hartwell. "The root canal doesn't deserve its bad reputation. Millions of root canal treatments are performed successfully every year, saving natural teeth and helping patients keep their smiles."

Those who have undergone root canal treatment agree. AAE research found that patients who have experienced root canal treatment are six times more likely to describe it as "painless" than patients who have not had root canal treatment, and 89 percent of patients say they were satisfied when they received treatment from an endodontist, a dentist who specializes in root canals. The AAE video, Endodontists Put Root Canal Patients at Ease, explains the procedure and highlights patients pleased with their root canal treatments.

During Root Canal Awareness Week, March 30 – April 5, the AAE wants to dispel myths surrounding this dental treatment and encourage patients who need a root canal to see an endodontist to save their natural teeth. Endodontists have at least two years of additional training beyond dental school and are highly skilled specialists in performing root canals and diagnosing and treating tooth pain. Their mix of advanced training, techniques and equipment improve patient comfort, ease anxiety and alleviate pain.

"Root canal treatment is not painful, rather, it relives the patient's pain," explained Dr. Hartwell.

For more information about the AAE and Root Canal Awareness Week, follow the AAE on Twitter at @savingyourteeth or search #rootcanal. To find an endodontist in your area, ask your general dentist for a referral, or use the Find an Endodontist feature at www.aae.org.

About the American Association of Endodontists

The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago , Ill. , represents more than 7,500 members worldwide. Endodontics is one of nine dental specialties formally recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAE, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service. For more information about the AAE, visit the Association's website at www.aae.org.

CONTACT:
Jennifer Gibson
312-266-7255
[email protected]

SOURCE American Association of Endodontists