12 June 2023 , 15:10
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US President Joe Biden is set to undergo an operation this morning after "experiencing discomfort".
The President began experiencing dental pain in his lower jaw yesterday, June 11.
He was examined by the Presidential Dental Team who took X-rays and decided Mr Biden needed to undergo a root canal.
The president reported the pain in his lower right premolar on Sunday and had an initial root canal that day. White House Physician Kevin O'Connor said he "tolerated the procedure well" with no complications.
Mr O'Connor wrote in an update on Monday morning, June 12, that Mr Biden, 80, would be undergoing the root canal today.
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"He is experiencing further discomfort this morning, which was anticipated," he said in the letter. "The endodontal specialty team from Walter Reed will complete the president's root canal today, at the White House."
The letter from White House Physician Kevin O'Connor outlining the President's treatmentAfter the doctor's update was sent out, the day's schedule changed to show Vice President Kamala Harris would be hosting the NCAA champions as Mr Biden underwent and recovered from his procedure.
Mr Biden had been set to host the College Athlete Day on the White House's South Lawn, celebrating women's and men's NCAA champion teams from the 2022-2023 season.
Teams expected at the event include volleyball, ice hockey and track & field collegiate champions. It's a tradition for the president to host sports teams at the White House.
President Joe Biden is set to undergo a root canal at the White House (REX/Shutterstock)In a ceremony late last month, Mr Biden hosted the NCAA basketball women's champions from Louisiana State University and the men's champions from the University of Connecticut.
Later today, Mr Biden is set to meet with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and host a reception for chiefs of mission. It is unclear whether these events will still go ahead.
The latest health update from the President comes as concerns have been raised by medical experts about whether he is fit enough to serve a second term.
There are concerns that Mr Biden is already showing signs of "cognitive impairment" and the stress of another term as President could deteriorate his condition further.
Mr Biden's presidency has already seen its share of reminders of his age. Just a week ago, Mr Biden fell after seeming to trip during a public engagement.
The President tripped over a sandbag on stage after congratulating the last of the graduating Air Force Academy cadets.
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President Joe Biden stands with Vice President Kamala Harris (AP)Staff at the event rushed to his aid, but he got up and walked away himself. The White House said afterwards that he was well and not injured.
Mr Biden, who is currently running for re-election in 2024, underwent a comprehensive physical examination in February. It determined him to be in good health and fully capable of fulfilling his duties.
Announcing his candidacy for the 2024 elections, Mr Biden addressed concerns about his age - saying his age doesn't bother him and he feels good.
He mentioned he had considered his age before deciding to run for re-election.
"I can't even say I guess how old I am, I can't even say the number. It doesn't - it doesn't register with me," Mr Biden said. "I took a hard look at it before I decided to run. And I feel good.
"With regard to age, you know, and polling data — I noticed the polling data I keep hearing about is that I’m between 42 and 46 per cent favourable rating," Biden said. "Everybody running for re-election in this time has been in the same position. There’s nothing new about that."