Dispelling Myths about Root Canal Treatment in New Video

CHICAGO, March 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- During Root Canal Awareness Week, March 22-28, the American Association of Endodontists is releasing a new video that addresses the safety of root canal treatment. Featuring endodontists Drs. Milton L. Davenport and Nermeen M. Moussa of Chicago, the video debunks century-old claims that root canal treatment can lead to disease.

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"There is a lot of misinformation online about the safety of root canal treatment and sensational headlines tend to attract attention," explains AAE President Dr. Robert S. Roda, an endodontist in Scottsdale, Ariz. "The AAE developed this video to help concerned patients understand that there is no valid, scientific evidence linking root canal treatment to other diseases."

During root canal treatment, endodontists remove inflammation or infection in the root of the tooth, clean and disinfect the canals, and seal them. After treatment, the tooth and bone around the roots can heal, preventing bacteria in the mouth from affecting the surrounding bone. Millions of treatments are performed every year, safely and comfortably.

The video and other resources addressing the safety of root canal treatment are available to patients and dental professionals at www.aae.org/rootcanalsafety. Additional videos illustrating endodontic treatments are available on the AAE's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/rootcanalspecialists.

In its ninth year, Root Canal Awareness Week is a nationwide effort to encourage patients who need a root canal to see an endodontist to save their natural teeth. Endodontists have at least two years of additional training beyond dental school and 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.

Those who have undergone root canal treatment agree. 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, and 89 percent of patients say they were satisfied when they received treatment from an endodontist, a dentist who specializes in root canals.

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.

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.

Contact: Jennifer Gibson, Public Relations Manager, American Association of EndodontistsPhone: 800-872-3636, ext. 3010Email

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SOURCE American Association of Endodontists