More Americans fear losing their teeth than getting the flu or root canals, according to a survey by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE).
Despite an especially bad flu season that has taxed hospital emergency rooms and led to public health emergencies, more survey respondents hoped to avoid losing a permanent tooth (74%) than getting the flu (73%), the AAE noted in a press release. Outdated concerns about endodontic treatment may have been an underlying factor; 70% of respondents said they want to avoid root canals, and 60% were more anxious about root canal treatment than getting an extraction (57%) or receiving dental implants (54%).
During annual Root Canal Awareness Week, March 17-23, the AAE wants to dispel myths surrounding endodontic treatment and is offering several free resources on its website for general dentists:
- A guide on treatment options for compromised teeth that includes case examples with radiographs of successful endodontic treatment in difficult cases, and encourages general dentists to assess all possible endodontic treatment options to save natural detention
- A case difficulty assessment and referral form that offers guidance to evaluate a patient's condition and assess risk factors that may affect the outcome of treatment
- A newsletter highlighting clinical topics of interest to dentists who perform their own endodontic treatment and benefit from coverage of best practices and the latest advancements in the specialty
- A video explaining what an endodontist is and how specialists work with general dentists to provide good patient care; a good resource to show patients when a referral to a specialist is needed
