Root canals are one of the most common treatments in modern dental offices. Whether you’re a general dentist or a specialized endodontist, you probably have performed hundreds of these procedures.
But how can you provide the best possible patient results – while still ensuring that your root canal treatments remain profitable? In this article, we’ll look at some tips that will help ensure the safety of your patients, and the future success of your practice. Let’s begin.
#1. Consider Starting An “In-House” Dental Savings Plan
One of the best ways to ensure that your patients keep coming back to your practice for regular check-ups and for procedures like root canals is with an “in-house” dental savings plan.
You’ve probably heard of these plans before – a patient pays a premium, and in return, they get free preventative care including dental cleanings and oral exams, as well as diagnostics and x-rays, as well as a discount – usually of around 15% – on oral surgeries like root canals.
These plans help you become a more attractive option to patients who are underinsured or uninsured, and provide better service to those who may not have the money to pay for a full-price root canal.
You can compound the benefits of an in-house dental savings plan if you offer financing for larger procedures, like root canals. Patients will be able to receive a discount – and also pay for their procedure over multiple months, making it easier for them to get the treatment they need.
#2. Use A Dental Dam Every Time You Perform A Root Canal
Would it surprise you if we told you that nearly half of all root canal dentist in San Diego don’t use dental dams when performing root canals? Well, it’s true – at least, of general dentists.
A survey of general dentists showed that only 47% of general dentists used a dental dam when performing root canals, despite the fact that the American Academy of Endodontists recommends a dental dam be used in every procedure. Only 17% of general dentists used dental dams 90-99% of the time – which is what is recommended by the AAE.
You should never perform a root canal without a dental dam. Dental dams have been shown to increase the efficacy of root canal treatment by a huge margin, and should be standard in every single procedure.
They may complicate the treatment somewhat and be slightly inconvenient – but eliminating the need for root canal retreatment is worth this inconvenience.
#3. Offer Sedation To Root Canal Patients
Sedation is not usually required for root canals, but offering it may be a good idea, as it will ensure that your patients are more cooperative and move around less during the procedure.
This will help you treat them more quickly and efficiently – which can result in a faster turn-around time for these patients, and more appointments each day at your practice. In turn, this means higher profits!
#4. Follow Recommendations And Best Practices During Canal Instrumentation
Canal instrumentation is a difficult process, and breakage of instruments and other complications can be common if you do not follow best practices while widening the canal and removing material. Here are a few tips to keep in mind during canal instrumentation:
Always irrigate will during instrumentation – Irrigation helps lubricate and facilitate the instrumentation process and remove bacteria and debris from the canal, making your job easier. When in doubt, irrigate!
Wipe the instrument regularly during the process – Wiping down your instruments regularly helps remove debris from the flutes, and ensures a more safe, efficient instrumentation process.
Use short, “pecking” motions, not “pushing” while instrumenting– A shorter, “peck-like” motion of 2-3 mm is more effective for moving debris up, and avoiding impaction. Pushing can cause more stress and fatigue on your instruments, increasing the risk of breakage. By using the “pecking” method, you can get to your intended measurement in less time.
Follow These Tips For A Better Root Canal Treatment!
With these tips, any root canal dentist will be able to offer better treatment – and enjoy better patient results, higher profits, and a lower risk of root canal retreatment. Think about how you can use them in your practice now, and get started!
