The global dental fraternity is celebrating October 16th as World Endodontic Day to improve general awareness regarding dental health challenges posed by endodontic diseases and make the public understand various preventive and therapeutic measures taken by dentists and endodontists. Dentists and Endodontists are capable of performing a wide range of predictable and scientifically backed root canal therapy procedures that save millions of teeth every year. The spirit of celebration was in full bloom at M.A. Rangoonwala College Of Dental Sciences and Research Centre (MARDC) as they marked World Endodontic Day in a colorful and vibrant way. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. P.A. Inamdar, President of MARDC, who enthusiastically participated in the celebration.
Dr. Vivek Hegde, the former President of the Indian Endodontic Society and Head of the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, led the event with great success, said a press release today. The collaborative efforts of Dr. Sameer Jadhav and Dr. Lisha Jain, both Executive Committee members of the Indian Endodontic Society and professors at MARDC, were instrumental in organizing this remarkable event. This vibrant and successful event had the active participation of Principal Dr. Ramandeep Dugal, Vice Principal Dr. Salika Sheikh and the complete team of MARDC and Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics showcasing their dedication to promoting the importance of endodontics in dental health, release added. The centerpiece of the celebration was an enchanting theme that vividly depicted the array of colours seen in endodontic files, essential tools in root canal treatments. This striking representation served as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role endodontics plays in preserving natural teeth and upholding overall dental health. Additionally, the professors engaged in informative patient awareness lectures, enlightening attendees about the crucial importance of saving their teeth.
International Federation of Endodontic Associations (IFEA) and Indian Endodontic Society (IES) are conducting a global campaign to improve awareness regarding this disease through the World Endodontic Day campaign. Prof Dr Sanjay Miglani, President – IES said that a coordinated nationwide program by various colleges and institutions are being done on October 16th to improve public awareness of this silent epidemic. Prof Dr Sangeeta Talwar, Former Director – Principal, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi said that periodic dental check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene are simple measures in preventing this disease and maintaining oral health. Prof Vivek Hegde, Former- President – IES further added that the World Endodontic Day is an important day to highlight the need for a collective effort in making oral health in India a priority. Prof Dr Gopi Krishna from India who is also Secretary General for International Federation of Endodontic Associations (IFEA) said “Half of the adult population worldwide have at least one diseased tooth with apical periodontitis (AP)”. This startling finding from a global study covering more than 40 countries including India has been published last year in the International Endodontic Journal. He further added “A study done by our team in India found close to two-thirds (65%) of the adult population of India having at least one tooth with apical periodontitis.”
The general public is aware of dental caries or tooth decay as a common disease of the oral cavity. However, few realise the serious long term sequelae of dental caries leads to a disease known as Apical Periodontitis (AP). he United Nations ESCAP data, 68 percent of Indian population are adults, and the current Indian adult population has crossed one billion individuals. Dr Ajay Logani, Professor CDER – AIIMS, New Delhi added that “the prevalence of dental caries in Indian adult population has been established as 62% which is extremely high”, said release. Apical periodontitis is one of the most common adult dental disease that needs to be treated and more importantly prevented. This is a silent disease that aggravates into a painful condition that makes a patient visit his or her dentist. The more sensible long-term dental solution would be to save such teeth with root canal therapy procedures instead of the traditional approach of extracting such teeth. Dr Anil Kohli, Former President, Dental Council of India said “Loss of teeth leads to improper chewing of food and indigestion that has direct correlation with decreased quality of life, said release.