More Americans Fear Losing Natural Tooth Than Getting Flu or Root Canal

CHICAGO, March 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans are more afraid of losing a natural tooth than they are of getting the flu, according to a January survey by the American Association of Endodontists. Despite an especially bad flu season that taxed hospital emergency rooms nationwide and led some cities to declare a public health emergency, more survey respondents hoped to avoid losing a permanent tooth (74 percent) than avoid getting the flu (73 percent). Also, 70 percent of respondents say they want to avoid getting a root canal, and 60 percent were more anxious about root canal treatment than getting a tooth pulled (57 percent), or receiving a dental implant (54 percent). The underlying factor of these numbers could be connected to outdated concerns about root canal treatment.

During the seventh annual Root Canal Awareness Week, March 17-23, the AAE wants to dispel myths that root canals are painful and encourage patients who need a root canal to see an endodontist to save their natural teeth.

"We want patients to know that there is no reason to be anxious about receiving a root canal," said AAE President Dr. James C. Kulild. "With today's advanced technologies, root canals are no more painful than getting a filling – root canal treatment is actually one of the best ways to save your natural tooth!"

Endodontists are dentists with at least two additional years of advanced specialty education in diagnosis and root canal treatment. This enhanced training, combined with high levels of expertise, use of cutting-edge technology and impressive success rates are the main reasons patients trust dental specialists, according to the AAE survey. By partnering with endodontists, general dentists can help patients feel less anxious while delivering the highest quality of care. In fact, 89 percent of patients report being satisfied after root canal treatment by an endodontist.

More than 15 million root canals are performed in the U.S. every year. The AAE video, Endodontists Put Root Canal Patients at Ease, explains this important tooth-saving procedure and features patients who were pleasantly surprised by their root canal experience.

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 search engine 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.

SOURCE American Association of Endodontists