Recent figures from the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) indicate that a growing number of patients in the US are choosing to seek dental specialists for root canal therapy and other procedures aimed at preserving natural teeth.
Insurance claim data collected from 2020 to 2024 show that the proportion of endodontic treatment rose from 34.6% in 2020 to 44.4% in 2024. Over the same period, the proportion of patients treated by endodontists grew from 36% to 45%.
Endodontists, who complete an additional two to three years of training beyond general dentistry with a focus on root canal therapy, are therefore carrying out a larger share of complex dental treatments.
The AAE suggests that this trend reflects greater collaboration between general dentists and specialists. Steven J Katz, president of the AAE, stated that the findings align with feedback from dentists who report an increase in referrals for patients requiring complex care.
Alongside the claims data, a consumer survey conducted earlier this year by the AAE found that 94% of adults consider it important to keep their natural teeth for as long as possible. The survey also reported that 45% of adults have undergone a root canal procedure, and among them, 71% expressed satisfaction with choosing the treatment instead of extraction.
Although the survey results showed favourable views of endodontic treatment, root canal therapy continues to be associated with some patient apprehension, reflecting lingering concerns about the procedure.
The AAE notes that the findings reflect a wider healthcare trend of patients seeking speciality medical treatment in recent years, particularly for procedures that aim to address pain and preserve natural function.
