Root canals: Acknowledging the oral-systemic link
Experts detailed the benefits of root canals beyond oral health.
The Washington Post this week covered a recently published study from the Journal of Translational Medicine, highlighting possible short- and long-term benefits of treatment of apical periodontitis on systemic health. The article cited a systematic review estimating the global prevalence of apical periodontitis, with about 50% of adults developing it in at least one tooth. The experts cited in the article stressed that the condition can raise the risk of systemic diseases as a result of chronic inflammation once a tooth’s infected pulp provides an access point for oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body. Research has shown that oral bacteria can cause a range of health issues, including endocarditis, respiratory infections like pneumonia, preterm birth and low birth weight.
In this self-controlled two-year longitudinal cohort study of 65 patients, researchers found that patients with apical periodontitis who received root canal treatment or periapical surgery experienced improvements in cardiometabolic factors such as cholesterol levels, glycemic control, fatty acids and inflammation — which translated to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.
The ADA encourages patients to visit their dentists once or twice per year to address issues like apical periodontitis through procedures that can positively impact overall health. The experts suggested that individuals can minimize their risk of oral and systemic health issues by following a healthy diet, achieving regular physical activity, avoiding detrimental habits such as smoking and adhering to drugs designed to manage cardiometabolic disorders. The findings may promote greater interdisciplinary collaboration between dentists and other medical specialists and highlight the need for integrated care.
Read more: The Washington Post
The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.