Campaign launched to prevent unnecessary extractions
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- Published: Tuesday, 08 March 2011 17:04
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| Julian Webber and other leading dental professionals have launched the Saving Teeth Awareness Campaign - www.savingteeth.co.uk - to provide information to patients who have a tooth infection that could result in tooth loss. The campaign was prompted by the widespread lack of awareness amongst patients that many teeth can be saved by root canal therapy. |
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Recent figures for the NHS show that two million teeth were removed last year but only approximately half a million root treatments were undertaken. The options for replacing a lost tooth might be a bridge, a denture or an implant. In the interests of dental health, however, if the natural tooth can be saved through root canal therapy and adequately restored, it should be first choice.
The campaign would like to see the NHS recognising and remunerating the additional skills and costly equipment used by specialists and dentists with additional training. With new dental payment systems about to be piloted next month (April), and widespread agreement that the NHS should be rewarding quality, it is an ideal time to introduce commissioning of specialist treatment in general practice.
- Saving a tooth is, where possible, better for the health of your mouth.
- A well root-treated tooth covered with a crown can survive for many years if not for the rest of your life.
- If a tooth becomes infected and left untreated bone loss can occur.
Backing for the Saving Teeth Awareness Campaign, spearheaded by root canal specialist Julian Webber and his colleague and endodontic specialist, Trevor Lamb, is growing. Supporters include recognised authorities in areas such as restorative dentistry, oral surgery, and the psychology of dentistry along with patients and high profile supporters Michael Winner and Peter Snow.
In the United States, Root Canal Awareness Week starts at the end of this month with the aim of teaching the public that root canal treatment shouldn’t be feared, and that endodontists can provide a virtually pain-free experience. In support of their Root Canal Awareness Week, the American Association of Endodontists carried out a survey which reveals that 70 per cent of Americans fear losing a natural tooth although that same percentage also fears root canal treatment, the exact procedure that can save their teeth.
Campaign supporter, Peter Snow, concludes: “It may surprise you that it is well known within the medical profession that those with a healthy mouth live longer. The Saving Teeth Awareness Campaign aims to encourage patients to keep their teeth for life”.
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