Survey: Root canals offer answer to 69% of Americans trying to avoid losing teeth

The American Association of Endodontists found that although 63% of Americans want to avoid getting a root canal, 69% want to keep their natural teeth. In light of Root Canal Awareness Week, March 25-31, the AAE hopes to shed light on the myths associated with the dental procedure and says that with advanced training, techniques and dental products, patient comfort is improved with the treatment.

CHICAGO, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- While 63 percent of Americans would like to avoid getting a root canal, even more, 69 percent, want to avoid losing a permanent tooth-something a root canal procedure can help to prevent. A January survey of 1,014 U.S. adults by the American Association of Endodontists found that Americans want to avoid losing a permanent tooth more than getting the flu, paying taxes or speaking in public.

During Root Canal Awareness Week, March 25-31, 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 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.

"We've all heard the saying, 'I'd rather have a root canal…' used in a negative way," admits AAE President Dr. William T. Johnson. "But ask a patient who has completed root canal treatment how it was and you'll hear things like, 'My root canal was painless,' 'The root canal was much better than I expected,' and 'My endodontist explained everything that was happening during the procedure'."

"Nothing looks, feels or functions like your natural teeth," says Dr. Johnson. "Root canal treatment can restore an infected tooth to a healthy state that can last a lifetime."

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. The AAE video, Endodontists Put Root Canal Patients at Ease, explains the procedure and highlights patients pleased with their root canal treatments. Additionally, a recent Consumer Reports reader survey found more patients reported severe pain after getting a tooth pulled than having a root canal.

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.