Biden undergoes root canal, postpones meeting with Nato Secretary General
US President Joe Biden, 80 years old, is set to undergo a root canal procedure at the White House following complaints of dental pain. On Sunday, White House physician Dr Kevin O’Connor examined Biden and conducted an initial root canal procedure after X-rays were taken. The president continued to experience pain on Monday, leading to the decision to complete the procedure.
Biden identified the source of discomfort as his lower right premolar (tooth 29), according to a note from Dr O’Connor. A presidential dental team from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center performed Sunday’s examination in the White House Dental Operatory. Due to the procedure, Biden will miss a scheduled appearance at an event celebrating college athletes.
A meeting initially planned for Monday afternoon with Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has been rescheduled for Tuesday. The White House confirmed that Biden would not be put under anaesthesia during the procedure, so the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution, which allows for the temporary transfer of presidential powers and duties to the vice-president, will not be invoked.
In 2021, Biden underwent a colonoscopy under anaesthesia, and presidential power was temporarily transferred to Vice-President Kamala Harris.
