A new video released today by the American Association of Endodontists helps patients understand how advanced imaging greatly enhance an endodontist's ability to diagnose, evaluate, treat and care for patients. Cone beam computed technology – CBCT - captures images using a cone-shaped X-ray beam. These images are then used to construct a 3-D representation of the patient's teeth.
The AAE released the video to kick-off the 12th annual celebration of Root Canal Awareness Week, an effort to educate the public about the benefits of modern root canal treatment and endodontists as the specialists in treating tooth pain and saving teeth.
In a recent survey of the public, 48 percent of respondents would make an appointment to see their dentist if they experienced tooth pain. Roughly half of respondents said if they were to feel tooth pain, they would only wait between two and six days to seek treatment. Another 23 percent said they would seek treatment that same day. Clearly, most people wish to resolve tooth pain very quickly, and that’s exactly what endodontists are trained to do.
“Endodontists have at least two extra years of specialized training in root canal procedures, and are better equipped to handle the intricacies of different cases and potential complications that can occur,” said AAE President Dr. Patrick E. Taylor. “In addition to using the most sophisticated technology, endodontists prioritize patient comfort, ensuring root canal procedures are virtually painless.”
The AAE is encouraging the public to celebrate Root Canal Awareness Week, and teamed up with more than two dozen endodontic practices, supplying them with “superhero kits” filled with capes, t-shirts, hot-cold packs and more to give to patients and staff. Results of these efforts are being showcased on the AAE website and social media channels.
Patients are encouraged to share their root canal success stories to help the AAE spread the word about endodontists and the value of saving natural teeth.
For more information about the AAE and Root Canal Awareness Week, follow the AAE on Twitter at @savingyourteeth or search #RCAW. To find an endodontist in your area, use the Find an Endodontist feature at aae.org/find.
