Data Finds More Patients Seeking Dental Specialists for Complex Dental Procedures to Save Natural Teeth

Endodontists performing more root canal treatments to address tooth pain that requires specialized training

CHICAGO – According to new data shared by the American Association of Endodontists, the percentage of patients seeking the expert training of endodontists to treat tooth pain and save their natural teeth through root canal therapy has increased in recent years.

Based on insurance claims processed from 2020-2024, endodontists’ share of endodontic treatment and percentage of patients treated has grown over time- an indication that more patients are seeking the care of an endodontist to save their natural teeth. An endodontist has 2-3 years additional education and training in highly specialized procedures to save teeth through root canal therapy.

Specifically, the percentage of endodontic treatments that endodontists have performed has increased steadily by 9.8% over this four-year period, from 34.6% in 2020 to 44.4% in 2024. In addition, the number of patients that endodontists are seeing has similarly increased by 9% – from 36% of patients in 2020 to 45% of patients in 2024.

Based on insurance claims processed from 2020 – 2024, endodontists’ share of endodontic treatment and percentage of patients treated have grown over time – an indication that more patients are seeking the care of endodontists to save their natural teeth. Specifically, the percentage of endodontic treatments that endodontists have performed has increased steadily by 9.8% over this four-year period, from 34.6% in 2020 to 44.4% in 2024. In addition, the percentage of patients that endodontists are seeing has similarly increased by 9% – from 36% of patients in 2020 to 45% of patients in 2024.

“The latest data confirm what we’re hearing based on our recent focus group findings with GPs: more patients who need root canal therapy or advanced procedures for the treatment of tooth pain are being referred to endodontists,” said Steven J. Katz, DDS, MS, President of the American Association of Endodontists. “Endodontists work closely with dentists to provide patients with the best care for their individual needs – optimizing the latest diagnostic and therapeutic tools to treat tooth pain and save natural teeth.”

In a nationwide consumer survey conducted earlier this year by the American Association of Endodontists, adults expressed placing a high value on their oral health, as evidenced by the fact that 94% of those surveyed said it is important to them to keep their natural teeth as long as possible. While some patients may be fearful of root canals, the survey found that this widely used procedure to relieve dental pain and save natural teeth is common and produces favorable results. Specifically, 45% of adults say they have had a root canal, and 71% of adults who have undergone a root canal procedure report they are glad they chose to have a root canal instead of a tooth extraction.

“While it is understandable that no one really wants to undergo a root canal, the new data shows that patients realize it is the best procedure to save their tooth, alleviate dental pain, and avoid a painful extraction that can require considerable down time,” added Dr. Katz. “Similar to the overall trend of more people seeking specialty medical treatment in recent years, it’s encouraging to see that dentists are increasingly working hand-in-hand with endodontists to determine the best treatment for patients to preserve their teeth and benefit their overall oral health.” 

About the AAE Survey and Data Analysis

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) commissioned Fluent to analyze nationwide dental insurance claims from 2020 through 2024 to identify emerging trends in endodontic care and referrals. In addition, the AAE engaged Atomik Research, an independent market-research agency, to conduct an online survey of 1,019 U.S. adults. The survey was fielded February 19 – 27, 2025, with a margin of error of ±3 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level. Together, the Fluent claims analysis and the Atomik consumer survey provide a comprehensive view of the increasing demand for endodontic treatment and the importance Americans place on preserving their natural teeth.

About the American Association of Endodontists

The American Association of Endodontists is a dental specialty organization recognized by the American Dental Association and a global resource for knowledge, research and education for the profession, members and the public. Representing more than 8,000 members worldwide, endodontists are specialists in saving teeth and have additional training and use specialized techniques and technologies to perform root canal treatment and diagnosis and treat tooth pain. Patients can find an endodontist in their area by visiting the AAE website atFind My Endodontist – American Association of Endodontists.