Association addresses President's "as popular as a root canal" comment

    Jan. 29, 2010
    American Association of Endodontists surveys show patient fear of procedure unrealistic and overstated.

    CHICAGO, Illinois--In his first State of the Union address, President Obama outlined many challenges facing our nation, but fear of root canals should not be one of them, according to the American Association of Endodontists.

    The AAE thinks the President unintentionally reinforced a myth and outdated misconception about the "unpopular" nature of root canal procedures. The association, which represents root canal specialists, knows that root canal procedures should not be feared, and hopes the President and Americans become better informed for the sake of their dental and total body health.

    Most root canal treatments can be completed in one visit and are comfortable, the AAE said. A national consumer survey published in 2009 shows that an overwhelming majority of root canal patients use positive words to describe the experience.

    According to a previous poll, those who had a root canal performed by an endodontist, a dentist who specializes in root canal procedures, are six times more likely to describe it as "painless" than those who have never had the procedure.

    "While we certainly understand the President's intent, people need to know that root canals don't cause pain, they relieve it," said Dr. Gerald N. Glickman, AAE president.

    "Root canals may sound daunting, but endodontists can do this procedure quickly, efficiently and with virtually no pain involved. The result is a restored natural tooth that can last a lifetime."

    Research shows saving natural teeth has extensive health benefits. The endodontist saves the tooth by removing its infected inner tissue, and cleaning, filling and sealing the root canal space. After placement of a crown or other restoration, the tooth is protected and continues to function like any other tooth. Root canal treatment saves more than 17 million natural teeth each year.

    Poor dental care can lead to serious health problems, which is why the AAE aims to bring awareness to the issue as part of its annual Root Canal Awareness Week. In 2010, the week will take place March 29 to April 4.

    For more information about Root Canal Awareness Week and root canals, or to find an endodontist, visit American Association of Endodontists.

    To read more about the AAE, go to American Association of Endodontists.

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