American Association of Endodontists: Root canal treatment saves natural teeth
A study published in the latest issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (AJPM) titled, “Tooth Loss and Heart Disease: Findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System,” found a link between tooth loss and coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death and permanent disability among Americans.
The study, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), relied on information gathered from 41,891 adults 40 to 79 years old. When adjusted for a variety of factors, including sex, race, ethnicity, marital status, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, the data demonstrated a 21 percent increase in the incidence of heart disease among those missing one to five teeth, a 60 percent increase among those missing six to 31 teeth, and an 81 percent increase in heart disease among those with no remaining teeth.
Saving teeth linked to better health
Endodontists, the dentists who specialize in root canal treatment, have long known the importance of saving natural teeth. According to Marc Balson, D.D.S., president of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) and a practicing endodontist, “Although there have been changes in artificial tooth materials and technologies, nothing looks, functions or feels like a natural tooth.”
In addition to being linked to heart disease, tooth loss can lead to a host of problems, including improper bite alignment and gum disease.
Americans themselves have strong feelings about preserving their natural teeth. Nearly one-third of respondents to a 2003 AAE survey said they would not give up a natural tooth for any amount of money, and 76 percent indicated they would prefer a root canal to tooth extraction.
Root canal treatment saves natural teeth by removing infections and eliminating toothaches. When performing a root canal, an endodontist removes inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the canal (a channel inside the root), and fills and seals the space. A root-canal-treated tooth continues to function like any other tooth, and can last a lifetime. With recent advances in endodontic techniques and technology, most root canal treatments can be performed in one virtually painless visit.
The efforts of endodontists—and better dental care in general—seem to have had a positive effect. A recent report released by the CDC indicates that seniors are saving 5.4 percent more of their natural teeth than in previous years. The same report notes that the number of seniors with no teeth has dropped by nearly 20 percent.
[1] Given the results of the latest
AJPM study, “that’s not just good news for Americans’ oral health, but good news for their cardiovascular health, as well,” said Dr. Balson.
American Association of Endodontists
The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago, represents more than 6,600 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.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Surveillance for dental caries, dental sealants, tooth retention, edentulism, and enamel florosis—United States, 1988-1994 and 1999-2002. In: Surveillance Summaries, August 26, 2005, MMWR 2005:54(No. SS-3).