Endodontic therapy is frequently referenced in popular culture as being painful, invasive and having a long recovery time. Are you addressing these points with your patients when discussing treatment?

Dispel myths to increase treatment acceptance.
When presenting root canal treatment to a patient, remember to reassure them the procedure will be comfortable and pain-free. Consider discussing the alternatives, such as extraction-and-bridge or an implant, and remind patients that these solutions -while effective- are more expensive and involved than simply treating a tooth endodontically. Root canal therapy allows patients to keep the original tooth, which is often the simplest and most natural solution, and recovery time is much faster than an implant or bridge.

Avoid performing root canals? Try sedation dentistry!
Root canals are difficult, there's no question about it. Add a squirmy, anxious patient to the mix with a sensitive gag reflex, and you might not even get past placing the rubber dam. You can still help this patient! Minimal oral sedation with DOCS protocols has been shown to be as effective an inhibitor of the gag reflex as 70% Nitrous Oxide, and have the benefit of reducing involuntary movement. This allows both you and the patient to cooperate on a smooth, stress-free treatment.

Good for you and for the patient.
Some days can feel like you're running on a hamster wheel; rushing from one operatory to the next doing single fillings and hygiene checks with barely a moment to greet the patient. Patients notice when you're rushed, and it affects their opinion of your work and practice philosophy. Getting to spend more time on each patient is reported to increase feelings of job satisfaction and professional pride, and connecting with your patient base can help increase referrals and encourage patients to take ownership of their oral health.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 106 Lenora Street, Seattle, WA 98121. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.

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The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor, should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 3250 Airport Way S, Suite 701 | Seattle, WA 98134. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.
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