Biden gets root canal, cancels sports event after tooth pain

U.S. President Joe Biden is skipping a public event on Monday to undergo his second root canal procedure in two days after reporting dental pain, the White House said.

U.S. President Joe Biden is skipping a public event on Monday to undergo his second root canal procedure in two days after reporting dental pain, the White House said. Biden reported tooth pain on Sunday, prompting an examination and a root canal that day, according to a letter from his physician that was distributed to the press.

"The President tolerated the procedure well," the physician, Kevin O'Connor, wrote about the previously undisclosed procedure. "There were no complications." After experiencing more pain this morning, which O'Connor said was anticipated, his medical team planned to "complete the President's root canal today" at the White House.

Biden was not expected to be anesthetized and will not need to transfer his powers to Vice President Kamala Harris under the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution during the procedure, according to a White House official. The White House canceled Biden's appearance at an event on Monday morning celebrating college athletes and said they would announce more details about the president's schedule later.

Harris attended the college sports event in Biden's place. Biden, 80, is the oldest person to serve as U.S. president and both his age and health have been a focus of voters as he plans to seek a second four-year term in the 2024 presidential election.