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Fewer patients fear root canal treatments

Endodontists receive two years of postgraduate training. (Photo courtesy of Mate Airman Apprentice Ashley Gayton, United States Navy)
2014-4-2 | News Americas

Fewer patients fear root canal treatments
by Dental Tribune International

CHICAGO, USA: According to the latest figures released by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), fewer Americans fear root canals. A recent survey among over 1,000 U.S. adults found that just over half of the participants were afraid of the procedure, the lowest number reported since the association began its annual survey three years ago.

Of the 488 men and 523 women who participated in the survey, about 54 percent stated that root canals make them apprehensive. In 2013, the number was still at 60 percent, according to AAE. In the survey, almost 90 percent of patients said that they had been satisfied when treated by an endodontist. Moreover, more than 75 percent said that they wish to keep their natural teeth. 

"The root canal does not deserve its bad reputation," said AAE president Dr. Gary R. Hartwell. "Thanks to advancements like modern anesthesia, digital imaging and operating microscopes, today's root canal treatments are often quick and painless."

According to the AAE, an estimated 15.1 million root canal treatments are performed annually in the U.S., with 72 percent (10.9 million) performed by general dentists and 28 percent (4.2 million) by endodontists. 

Currently, the AAE is celebrating Root Canal Awareness Week. The initiative, which aims to dispel myths surrounding endodontic treatment, runs until Saturday. 

The survey was conducted online from Feb. 26 to 28 by market research company Ipsos.