Those two dreaded words can be enough to strike fear into many patients who would love to be anywhere else in the world other than the dentist’s chair. The problem is that the longer you leave a small problem to fester while hoping it goes away, the longer it has to become a serious issue.
Dentists who can guide nervous or anxious patients through the root canal process will be able to optimise patient outcomes at all times. Here’s a quick look at how skilled dental professionals are able to achieve this when working with people of all ages.
Acknowledging persistent tooth pain
When the tooth pulp is inflamed and infected, severe pain can occur on a persistent basis. Patients who acknowledge that painkillers aren’t the solution and instead book a dental appointment will be able to put things right as quickly as possible. Dental practices that actively educate their patients on the signs to look for will be able to significantly improve patient outcomes.
Addressing swelling
Education is the name of the game when you want to be able to make a difference, and that applies to dentists and patients alike. If a dentist shows their patients what a swelled jaw or an inflamed gum line means, they will find that patient outcomes dramatically improve. Many people try to ignore issues with their teeth in the hope that they will go away, but this is never going to work when a root canal is needed.
Dealing with tooth discolouration
A dark, discoloured tooth is a strong indicator of nerve damage or an infection starting to take hold. The issue here is that many patients will assume that discolouration can be corrected with brushing and whitening treatments. If a dental practice educates its patients on the different types and causes of discolouration, these types of issues can be caught much earlier. It’s a win-win for patients and practices because the treatments will be less stressful and invasive and patient loyalty will increase as a result.
Noticing temperature sensitivity
An infected nerve that runs below the teeth is one of the leading causes of high degrees of temperature sensitivity. If a dental practice takes an active approach to educating their patients, they will be able to ensure that these types of issues present themselves in the dentist’s chair much earlier. Patients will then be able to maintain a much higher degree of quality of life while practices can continue to enhance their reputation right across the local community.
Pimples on the gums
A pimple is a sign that an infection that started in a damaged tooth has now begun to spread into the gum where it may start to attack and kill the nerves. Patients who ignore these issues will be saving up issues for later on, but proactive patients will be able to put these issues right before they become much more serious.
Loose teeth and discomfort
A loose tooth is another sign that something is wrong. A dentist who invests in equipment such as an apex locator from a trusted national supplier will be able to get to the root cause of the issue. Having the right equipment is essential and it is something that provides patients with the peace of mind that only comes from knowing they are in the right place. Dentists who talk patients through what they are doing during the appointment will be able to help patients relax and feel much more comfortable.
Chipped or cracked teeth
If you chip a tooth to the point where it has exposed a nerve and led to infection, a root canal is the best course of treatment. Dental practices that spend time educating their patients on what to do in the event of a chipped tooth will be able to improve patient outcomes. Patients who know what to do and understand the importance of getting checked out will be able to take action in a timely manner.
Final thoughts
We hope this guide has provided some useful insights for patients as well as a quick refresher for dental practice managers and professionals. Proactive patients who have been told what to do in a variety of different situations are far more likely to schedule an emergency appointment in a timely fashion.
A small time investment at the end of each appointment can improve patient outcomes and lead to an even better reputation for the practice in the local area.
