Patient Communication in Root Canal Therapy

At Global Surgical, we understand that root canal therapy can be a source of anxiety for many patients.

While it is one of the most common dental procedures, the fear and misunderstanding surrounding it often lead to hesitation or refusal of treatment. Effective communication is key to improving patient understanding and acceptance of root canal therapy.

By providing clear explanations, addressing concerns, and using modern tools like dental microscopes to enhance documentation and visual communication, dentists can significantly improve patient outcomes. Today, we're going to give our advice on improving patient communication through modern photography and videography tools, based on our 30+ years in the dental microscopy business and feedback from our customers.

Why Effective Communication Matters

Root canal therapy, despite being a routine procedure, is often misunderstood by patients. Misconceptions such as “root canals are painful” or “they will cause complications later on” can lead patients to delay or avoid necessary treatment. By communicating effectively with patients, dentists can:

• Alleviate fears: Clear communication helps reduce patient anxiety, allowing them to feel more comfortable about the procedure.
• Improve treatment acceptance: Patients who understand the necessity of treatment and the benefits of root canal therapy are more likely to follow through with it.
• Enhance trust: When patients feel well-informed and involved in the decision-making process, their trust in the clinician and practice increases.
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Dr. Glenn van As: A Model for Visual and Verbal Communication

Dr. Glenn van As, a leader in dental microscopy and minimally invasive procedures, exemplifies how effective patient communication can transform the patient experience.. not just in root canal treatments but in nearly any clinical usage.

As an expert in the field, he uses dental microscopes not only to enhance precision during procedures but also to improve patient communication through documentation and visual aids.

In his one-hour webinar, Dr. Glenn van As, a renowned expert in microscope-centered dentistry, explores how the integration of digital photography and videography can enhance clinical practices that utilize dental microscopes.

Drawing from his extensive experience, Dr. van As demonstrates how these technologies can improve legal documentation, communication with the dental team, and patient engagement through the use of live video streams.

Click here to view the full one-hour webinar.

The Role of the Dental Microscope in Communication

Dental microscopes allow clinicians to capture high-resolution images and videos during procedures. This documentation can be a powerful tool in patient communication. By using visual aids to explain the root canal process, dentists can bridge the gap between complex clinical information and patient understanding.

Dr. van As uses this technique in his practice, showing patients detailed images of their own teeth before, during, and after the procedure. These visuals help patients see:

• The extent of the infection or damage: Visualizing the problem areas helps patients understand why treatment is necessary.
• The intricacies of root canal therapy: By showing the process in detail, including how the infected tissue is removed and the canal is sealed, patients gain a clearer understanding of the steps involved in their treatment.
• Successful outcomes: Post-procedure images demonstrate the success of the treatment and reinforce patient confidence in the care they received.

This visual documentation not only educates patients but also builds trust. Seeing the process firsthand eliminates the mystery of the procedure, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their dental health.

Utilizing Documentation for Education and Trust-Building

Dr. van As emphasizes the importance of using documentation as an educational tool. By incorporating video or image documentation from the microscope, dentists can walk patients through their specific treatment journey. This personalized approach is crucial for fostering trust and reducing anxiety. Global Surgical’s dental microscopes, equipped with high-definition cameras, make this process seamless, enabling dentists to:

• Document findings: By capturing preoperative images, dentists can show patients the problem, such as decay, infection, or fractures in the tooth.
• Explain treatment steps: Using intraoperative footage, dentists can explain each phase of the root canal procedure, making the process transparent and comprehensible.
• Showcase results: After the procedure, showing patients how their tooth has been successfully treated helps confirm the effectiveness of the therapy and enhances patient satisfaction.

For example, if a patient is uncertain about the need for treatment, a simple image showing the extent of infection or damage within the tooth can clarify the urgency of the procedure.

Dr. van As often uses side-by-side comparisons—showing a healthy tooth versus a diseased one—to highlight the risks of leaving the problem untreated.

Key Strategies for Effective Patient Communication in Root Canal Therapy

1. Simplify Complex Information

While dentists have in-depth knowledge of the procedures they perform, patients often have little understanding of the intricacies involved in root canal therapy. Simplifying explanations and avoiding technical jargon can make information more accessible and less intimidating for patients.

Instead of diving into details about instrumentation and canal preparation, focus on the basics: “Your tooth is infected, and the root canal will remove the infection to save your tooth and relieve your pain.”

2. Use Visual Aids and Documentation

As demonstrated by Dr. van As, visual documentation is one of the most effective ways to communicate with patients. Using a dental microscope to capture images and videos allows patients to see the condition of their teeth firsthand.

This direct visual connection helps patients comprehend the necessity of treatment and builds confidence in the recommended procedure.

3. Address Common Fears and Misconceptions

Many patients associate root canal therapy with pain, often due to outdated perceptions or misinformation.

Reassure patients by explaining that modern root canal treatments, especially when performed under magnification with advanced tools like microscopes, are highly precise and typically painless. Address their concerns openly and provide data or anecdotal evidence that highlights the success and safety of the procedure.

4. Provide Personalized Explanations

Every patient’s situation is unique, so providing personalized explanations based on their individual needs and oral health status is crucial. By showing patients specific images of their teeth and detailing the implications of their condition, dentists can create a more personalized and relatable conversation.

For example, rather than giving a generic explanation about root canals, say: “In your case, the infection has spread to the root of the tooth, which is why you're feeling pain. Here's an image from our microscope that shows the area that needs treatment.”

5. Follow-Up and Continued Communication

After the procedure, continuing the conversation with patients is important for long-term trust. Share post-treatment images or videos from the dental microscope to show the successful completion of the root canal. Additionally, provide clear aftercare instructions and emphasize the importance of follow-up visits.

The Role of Global Surgical's Dental Microscopes in Communication

At Global Surgical, we are proud to offer advanced dental microscopes that enhance both clinical precision and patient communication.

Our microscopes come equipped with high-definition cameras that allow dentists to capture, store, and share images and videos from each stage of the procedure. These visual tools are invaluable for building patient trust, improving understanding, and ensuring treatment acceptance.

About Dr. Glenn van As

Dr. Glenn van As, a pioneer in the field of microscope-centered dentistry, has been in private practice since 1987 and has used operating microscopes from Global Surgical exclusively since 1997. His practice includes cosmetic, endodontic, laser, implant, and restorative microscopic dentistry. Dr. van As is a co-founder of the Academy of Microscope Dentistry and has lectured globally on the subject. He is known for his commitment to educating new users on the benefits and challenges of microscope-enhanced dental practices.

Dr. Glenn van As graduated from University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry in 1987 and is a co-founder of the Academy of Microscope Dentistry. He has been in full-time private general practice using the operating microscope since 1997 for 100% of his clinical dentistry.  He has a 9-microscope practice in North Vancouver that involves cosmetic, endodontic , laser, implant, and restorative microscopic dentistry. In 2024, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Academy of Microscope Enhanced Dentistry for his continual efforts to educate new users on the advantages and challenges of operating a microscope-centered practice.  He has lectured over 1000 times in 35 countries on microscope, laser , esthetic, and implant dentistry and has published over 75 articles on the topics.  He lives in North Vancouver, BC, Canada. 

Looking for More? Reach Out!

As a US-based manufacturer of dental microscopes sold worldwide, we know a thing or two about magnification & ergonomics. If you’re considering adding a microscope to your practice or you just want to learn more about utilizing a dental microscope, we are here to help! Please feel free to reach out at 800-861-3585 or by clicking the button below.