(NAPSA)—A generation ago, dentures and bridgework wereall too common among U.S. seniors. Today, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Con- trol and Prevention, Americans are keeping their natural teeth longer. In part, seniors can thank endodontists, the dentists who specialize in performing root canal treatment and saving natural teeth. Endodontists’ advanced train- ing and access to cutting-edge technologies allow them to save older teeth that once were considered hopeless. As people age, the canals inside their teeth nar- row, making tooth-saving proce- dures more difficult. Using new technologies, such as ultrasonics and operating microscopes, endodontists can locate even the smallest canals to remove inflamed pulp and nerves, and preserve natural teeth. Digital imaging, which is used in place of traditional X-rays to take pictures of teeth, is another tool that significantly increases endo- dontists’ ability to find the cause of pain in even the narrowest root canal. “Endodontists are accustomed to working within a very small Endodontic Treatment Planning For The Elderly Follow these easy steps to ensure that your natural teeth last a lifetime: Review your medicalhistory with your endodontist. Be sure fo mention any medications you are taking. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis or recent chemotherapy can affect your dental care.This information will help the specialist plan the best treatment options before your root canaltakes place. e Most root canal treatments can be performedin one, virtually pain-freevisit. Plan your transportation accordingly. e Returnfo your family dentist within two weeks of your root canal treatmentfor crown placementor other restorative work. To learn more, or to tind an endodontist in your area, call the American Association of Endodontists at 1-800-872-3636or visit www.rootcanalspecialists.org. During root canal treatment, the endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp (the soft tissue inside teeth), carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the canal (a channel inside the root), then fills and seals the space. A well done root canal is like a solid foundation in a house —it allows for further restorative work to be done on a tooth with a likelihood of long-term health and stability. Endodontists’ training also space,” says Dr. Marc Balson, D.D.S., president of the American helps them deal with seniors’ spe- background, which includes four years of dental school followed by two to three years of advanced training, allows us to perform root older Americans to lead healthier, more active lives can pose prob- Association of Endodontists. “Our canal treatment efficiently on any patient.” cial medical needs. The same pre- @ tients’ medical histories in preparation for root canal treatment, so as to avoid harmful drug interactions and safely treat patients with high blood pressure and other chronic conditions. The most important advantage endodontists offer older patients is experience. On average, endo- dontists perform 25 root canal treatments each week, while general dentists perform two. This means that seeing an endodontist for root canal treatment is the healthiest way for seniors to avoid dentures, bridgework orartificial scription medications that allow implants, and preserve their smiles lems when it comes time to undergo dental procedures. Endo- American Association of Endodon- dontists routinely conduct a thorough assessment of elderly pa- for a lifetime. To learn more, or to find an endodontist in your area, call the tists at 1-800-872-3636 or visit www.rootcanalspecialists.org.
