American Association of Endodontists launches campaign



The American Association of Endodontists has launched an awareness
campaign to educate consumers and the dental community about the
unique role endodontists play in oral health.  

Themed Endodontists: the root canal specialists, the initiative is
designed to inform consumers about what endodontists do; dispel myths
and misperceptions about root canals; and ensure that all dental
professionals understand and value the expertise endodontists bring to
their patients. For more information about the campaign, visit
www.rootcanalspecialists.org.  

The campaign will focus on the complementary relationship between
endodontists and general practitioners. "Endodontists couldn't do what
we do without the support of general practitioners," said Sandra
Madison, D.D.S., M.S., president of the AAE. "In return, we want
general dentists to know we're always available to their patients and
practices¿whether it's performing an emergency root canal or weighing
in on a difficult case."  

The campaign also will emphasize the importance of saving natural
teeth. "Nothing, not even the newest types of bridges and implants,
can truly replace a natural tooth," said Dr. Madison. "So saving a
tooth should always be the first option considered."  

Although it is necessary in some cases to extract a tooth and replace
it with an implant or bridgework, Americans themselves have strong
negative feelings about losing their natural teeth. In a recent AAE
survey, 76 percent of participants said they would prefer a root canal
to tooth extraction. Nearly a third said they would not sell a healthy
front tooth for any amount of money.  

Root Canal Specialists
Endodontists are specially trained to perform even the most complex
root canals. They attend four years of dental school and complete two
or more additional years of postdoctoral training in endodontics.  

"In addition to performing routine root canals, endodontists are
experts in treating very complicated cases, such as teeth with unusual
or complex root structures, or small, narrow canals," Dr. Madison
said. "Endodontists perform these difficult procedures daily."  

Root canals performed by endodontists are a better and common
alternative to tooth extraction. With new knowledge and technology,
endodontists are able to save many teeth that in the past would have
been extracted. Root canals save nearly 16 million teeth each year.  

About the AAE
The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago,
represents more than 6,300 members worldwide, including approximately
95 percent of all eligible endodontists in the United States. The
Association, 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,
visit the AAE Web site at www.aae.org.