Joe Biden root canal forces abrupt postponement of Nato meeting
- The previously unannounced dental operation meant the US president had to reschedule two high-level events and miss one appearance
- Biden’s doctor says he tolerated the procedure well and there were no complications
US President Joe Biden underwent a dental root canal on Monday with little public warning, forcing postponement of all scheduled events, including a meeting with the Nato secretary general.
The planned meeting with Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, as well as an evening diplomatic reception, “will be rescheduled for tomorrow”, the White House said.
Biden underwent the root canal on a premolar tooth in his lower right jaw, presidential doctor Kevin C. O’Connor said in a statement.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the procedure was “successfully completed. The president is doing just fine and he’ll certainly be working in the residence this afternoon.”
Although the White House played down the episode, Biden is 80, the oldest person ever to be president. Scrutiny of his health is intense as he bids to win a second term in 2024, taking him to 86 by the time he would leave office.
