President Joe Biden underwent a dental root canal 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 physician 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.

The Stoltenberg meeting was set to follow White House talks last week with the prime ministers of allies Britain and Denmark, as Biden prepares for the NATO summit in Lithuania in July.

The Western alliance is heavily involved in assisting Ukraine to defend itself against Russian invasion, with all eyes now on the fate of a much-heralded Ukrainian offensive to liberate territory.

Another big issue for NATO to resolve is choosing a successor for Stoltenberg, whose mandate ends in October.

<h2>Just 'a regular thing'</h2>

O'Connor said Biden's tooth issue began with pain on Sunday.

He was immediately examined by a team from the Walter Reed presidential hospital sent to the White House.

The team "was able to perform an examination, to include X-rays, in the White House Dental Operatory. They determined that endodontic treatment (root canal) was most appropriate. Initial root canal procedure was performed at the time, with a plan for specialized endodontal follow-up in the near future," O'Connor wrote.

The doctor said Biden "tolerated the procedure well. There were no complications."

On Monday, the president said he was "experiencing further discomfort," leading to the decision to complete the root canal, O'Connor said.

Because no public announcement was made of Sunday's dental work, questions were raised Monday about whether something more serious had happened.

Jean-Pierre dismissed this, saying the operation was "nothing unusual" and that "millions of Americans go through this."

She stressed that only a local anaesthetic was used, meaning no need for invoking the 25th Amendment and temporarily passing presidential powers to Vice President Kamala Harris.

However, the dental intervention was a reminder of how medical issues can suddenly interrupt the administration's rhythm.

Despite assurances that there had been no emergency, the root canal appeared clearly to be unplanned because of the need to postpone the two high-level meetings in the White House.

Biden's appearance at a third event – a celebration with university athletes – was cancelled less than an hour before it started, with Harris presiding instead.

Jean-Pierre said Harris herself found out Monday morning that she would take Biden's place at the event for athletes.

However, "there's nothing mysterious about it," Jean-Pierre said. "It is a regular thing that many people go through."

President Joe Biden underwent a dental root canal Monday with little public warning, forcing postponement of all scheduled events, including a meeting with the NATO secretary general.

President Joe Biden underwent a dental root canal 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 physician 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. The Stoltenberg meeting was set to follow White House talks last week with the prime ministers of allies Britain and Denmark, as Biden prepares for the NATO summit in Lithuania in July. The Western alliance is heavily involved in assisting Ukraine to defend itself against Russian invasion, with all eyes now on the fate of a much-heralded Ukrainian offensive to liberate territory. Another big issue for NATO to resolve is choosing a successor for Stoltenberg, whose mandate ends in October. Just 'a regular thing' O'Connor said Biden's tooth issue began with pain on Sunday. He was immediately examined by a team from the Walter Reed presidential hospital sent to the White House. The team "was able to perform an examination, to include X-rays, in the White House Dental Operatory. They determined that endodontic treatment (root canal) was most appropriate. Initial root canal procedure was performed at the time, with a plan for specialized endodontal follow-up in the near future," O'Connor wrote. The doctor said Biden "tolerated the procedure well. There were no complications." On Monday, the president said he was "experiencing further discomfort," leading to the decision to complete the root canal, O'Connor said. Because no public announcement was made of Sunday's dental work, questions were raised Monday about whether something more serious had happened. Jean-Pierre dismissed this, saying the operation was "nothing unusual" and that "millions of Americans go through this." She stressed that only a local anaesthetic was used, meaning no need for invoking the 25th Amendment and temporarily passing presidential powers to Vice President Kamala Harris. However, the dental intervention was a reminder of how medical issues can suddenly interrupt the administration's rhythm. Despite assurances that there had been no emergency, the root canal appeared clearly to be unplanned because of the need to postpone the two high-level meetings in the White House. Biden's appearance at a third event – a celebration with university athletes – was cancelled less than an hour before it started, with Harris presiding instead. Jean-Pierre said Harris herself found out Monday morning that she would take Biden's place at the event for athletes. However, "there's nothing mysterious about it," Jean-Pierre said. "It is a regular thing that many people go through."

Biden root canal forces abrupt postponement of NATO meeting

Reports say the US Army's Walter Reed Institute of Research is set to announce a vaccine which is resistant against all coronavirus variants.

The development comes as the US grapples with the Omicron variant which has now become the dominant strain leading to large scale hospitalisations and infections.

The scientists at the institute have worked on the new vaccine for the past two years as reports claim the new vaccine is also effective against the Omicron variant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hiring-alert-austria-seeks-hunters-of-the-unvaccinated-438971">Also Read:&nbsp;Austria seeks hunters of the unvaccinated&nbsp;</a>

The Army institute&nbsp;had received its first DNA sequencing of the virus in early last year as scientists began working on a new vaccine to fight the virus.

The scientists reportedly completed animal trials including human trials. Tests were also reportedly carried out on the Omicron variant with "positive results".

The scientists have reportedly mapped virus mutations while&nbsp;working on the vaccine.

President Joe Biden&nbsp;had said recently that the US is prepared to fight against Omicron as the government ordered millions of free home tests and put military doctors on standby if the Omicron cases increased beyond proportion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-3-times-more-transmissible-than-delta-centre-asks-states-to-take-prompt-action-438911">Also Read:&nbsp;‘Omicron 3 times more transmissible than Delta’</a>

Biden said America should not panic as the new variant continues to spread. The US president urged citizens to take the booster dose to combat the new variant. The US government has made plans to send medical supplies to badly hit states including Vermont, Michigan, Indiana and&nbsp;Wisconsin which have witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases.

According to health experts, Omicron now accounts for 73 per cent of new coronavirus cases even as over 62 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated against the virus.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Reports say the US Army's Walter Reed Institute of Research is set to announce a vaccine which is resistant against all coronavirus variants. The development comes as the US grapples with the Omicron variant which has now become the dominant strain leading to large scale hospitalisations and infections.

Reports say the US Army's Walter Reed Institute of Research is set to announce a vaccine which is resistant against all coronavirus variants. The development comes as the US grapples with the Omicron variant which has now become the dominant strain leading to large scale hospitalisations and infections. The scientists at the institute have worked on the new vaccine for the past two years as reports claim the new vaccine is also effective against the Omicron variant. Also Read: Austria seeks hunters of the unvaccinated The Army institute had received its first DNA sequencing of the virus in early last year as scientists began working on a new vaccine to fight the virus. The scientists reportedly completed animal trials including human trials. Tests were also reportedly carried out on the Omicron variant with "positive results". The scientists have reportedly mapped virus mutations while working on the vaccine. President Joe Biden had said recently that the US is prepared to fight against Omicron as the government ordered millions of free home tests and put military doctors on standby if the Omicron cases increased beyond proportion. Also Read: ‘Omicron 3 times more transmissible than Delta’ Biden said America should not panic as the new variant continues to spread. The US president urged citizens to take the booster dose to combat the new variant. The US government has made plans to send medical supplies to badly hit states including Vermont, Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin which have witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases. According to health experts, Omicron now accounts for 73 per cent of new coronavirus cases even as over 62 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated against the virus. (With inputs from Agencies)

US Army institute eyes single vaccine against COVID-19 including Omicron

The US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> visited wounded soldiers in the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center recently for the first time since he took control of the White House.

Biden, a frequent visitor of the medical facility, met with soldiers who were on active duty and also the retired service members who are receiving treatment at the facility.

Calling them as 'real heroes', he said, "These kids are amazing, and thank God there’s not as many people to visit."

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The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center holds a special place for Biden since his son, Beau, died in the hospital.

Biden's son, Beau Biden, died in the same hospital in 2015 of brain cancer.&nbsp;He served as a major in the Delaware Army National Guard and was admitted to Water Reed hospital for his treatment.

Joe and his wife have since then been thankful to the hospital and its staff for taking care of his son "in his final days with great grace and dignity."

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The Bidens used to frequently visit the hospital even before 2015 when Joe Biden was serving as the Vice President of the US in the Obama administration. The couple used to also visit the hospital on Christmas Day to spread cheer for the soldiers of the country.

This was Biden's one of the first outdoor visits to an establishment since he took an oath to serve the country on Januayr 20, after winning the recently-concluded US election against twice-impeached President Donald Trump.

Other than this, Biden has only twice stepped out in the pubic day — the first being a visit to the Lincoln Memorial as a celebration on the Inauguration Day evening and the second was a visit to the church last Sunday.

The US President Joe Biden visited wounded soldiers in the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center recently for the first time since he took control of the White House.

The US President Joe Biden visited wounded soldiers in the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center recently for the first time since he took control of the White House. Biden, a frequent visitor of the medical facility, met with soldiers who were on active duty and also the retired service members who are receiving treatment at the facility. Calling them as 'real heroes', he said, "These kids are amazing, and thank God there’s not as many people to visit." Also read| US first lady to help reunite migrant kids with parents The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center holds a special place for Biden since his son, Beau, died in the hospital. Biden's son, Beau Biden, died in the same hospital in 2015 of brain cancer. He served as a major in the Delaware Army National Guard and was admitted to Water Reed hospital for his treatment. Joe and his wife have since then been thankful to the hospital and its staff for taking care of his son "in his final days with great grace and dignity." Also read| Afghanistan's Ghani urges Biden to up pressure on Taliban The Bidens used to frequently visit the hospital even before 2015 when Joe Biden was serving as the Vice President of the US in the Obama administration. The couple used to also visit the hospital on Christmas Day to spread cheer for the soldiers of the country. This was Biden's one of the first outdoor visits to an establishment since he took an oath to serve the country on Januayr 20, after winning the recently-concluded US election against twice-impeached President Donald Trump. Other than this, Biden has only twice stepped out in the pubic day — the first being a visit to the Lincoln Memorial as a celebration on the Inauguration Day evening and the second was a visit to the church last Sunday.

Joe Biden visits Walter Reed hospital to meet wounded US soldiers

US President Donald Trump sparked an angry backlash from the medical community Sunday with a protocol-breaking visit to his supporters outside the hospital

Has US President Donald Trump really learnt about the virus?

The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center formerly known as the National Naval Medical Center is the choice of US President's hospital. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: 'Walter Reed' The US President's hospital