Supporting Your Endodontic Patients

Going to the dentist can be stressful for many patients. Experts estimate that more than one-third of patients have fears about going to the dentist, and 12% of those patients feel extreme fear.

Although a root canal is less invasive than an extraction, patients may still hold fears about undergoing this procedure. They may have heard horror stories or be worried about the pain that could result from it.

With dental anxiety being such a common occurrence, it’s important for dental professionals to find ways to ease patients’ fears about getting in the chair. This can help change the way a patient sees dental work and make them far more likely to keep coming back.

Understanding Dental Anxiety and Root Canal Fears

Dental anxiety can be defined as a fear of going to the dentist. Some people have such a disproportionate fear of dentistry in general that they will avoid the chair altogether, even when they’re in extreme pain. Experts refer to this extreme type of dental anxiety as dentophobia.

In some cases, the fear can be even stronger because of widely circulated stories about root canal treatment pain. Many people fear lengthy procedures and pain or discomfort that feels like too much to bear.

People with dentophobia may also be fearful either that the anesthetic will not work or that it may work too well, causing them to be unable to breathe properly. Some may have a fear of blood, needles, or even the handpiece noise.

Though dentists have many tools available to minimize discomfort, patients don’t always know this before they arrive. Understanding how to create the most comfortable experience on a physical and emotional level can truly help patients overcome their fears about root canal treatment and get the care they need.

6 Ways To Help Clients Relax

You may be wondering what tools you can use to help patients with dental anxiety or dentophobia. The next time you see a nervous patient, try these 6 techniques to improve their root canal treatment experience. 

1. Provide clear information.

Along with accurate information about root canal treatment costs, helping patients understand what exactly a root canal entails can help calm their fears about the process. They’ll know what to expect in terms of smells, sounds, and other sensations. This lets them anticipate each part of the treatment and reduce any fear of the unknown.

2. Create a comfortable environment.

Being treated in a comfortable environment can help patients relax. This means ensuring aspects such as: 

• Having all team members speak in welcoming tones
• Choosing calming colors, lighting, and decor
• Providing comfortable furniture and clean, uncluttered operatories 

You might also consider offering headphones and a portable music player to allow patients to listen to soothing sounds.

3. Use calming techniques.

When treating anxious patients, it’s a good idea to have a decent grasp on calming techniques that can help them relax before treatment begins. These may include breathing exercises where the patient takes deep, slow breaths. 

Alternatively, it might include the patient tapping certain parts of the body, such as the top or side of the head. This method may help ease anxious thoughts.

4. Offer sedation options.

Patients who experience varying levels of dental anxiety will appreciate knowing that they have access to sedation options. From laughing gas to conscious sedation that leaves them with no memory of the procedure, those who are unable to conquer their fears with other methods can still remain calm and comfortable.

5. Encourage open communication.

Many patients fear being ignored by dental professionals when they express concerns. Sometimes, just knowing that their dentist truly cares and wants to help find solutions can make patients feel more comfortable about receiving a root canal.

6. Partner with EndoConnect.

At EndoConnect, we collaborate with dental practices to provide patients with in-house endodontic care. When you partner with us, you won’t have to refer patients out to an unfamiliar practice, which can increase feelings of anxiety. 

What’s even better is that you’ll be providing your patients with access to the best endodontic team in Dallas. We use state-of-the-art equipment and always prioritize patient comfort.

Addressing dental anxiety is an important step in patient care.

Caring for your dental patients means doing what’s needed to keep them returning to the office so they can maintain their oral health. Helping them relax and overcome their fears of a root canal shows patients you’re invested in their well-being.

At EndoConnect, we partner with dental practices in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to provide exceptional in-house endodontic care. Patients experiencing anxiety or searching for “root canal treatment near me” will appreciate not having to leave their comfortable, familiar surroundings to access specialized care. Contact our team today to learn how to become an EndoConnect partner and discover how our endodontists in Dallas can help you provide excellent care to every patient.