The power of investing in technological advancements in endodontics

Dr. Anne Wiseman shares her experience of differentiating herself through innovation

Some patients experience feelings of anxiety or dread when visiting a dentist or endodontist, underscoring the importance of creating a patient experience that is exceptionally comfortable and soothing. When I designed my office, I worked with an interior designer to make it feel more like a spa retreat than a dental office. I heavily invested in creating a welcoming space for patients, incorporating features such as a massage chair in the waiting room, a fireplace, live flowers, noise-canceling headphones for a ceiling mounted TV, weighted blankets, a therapy dog, and soothing ice packs for after appointments.

That said, creating the ideal patient experience isn’t just about ambiance. For me, it’s also about investing in advanced technologies that streamline my practice and enhance patient care.

Investing in the right technology

It’s exciting to invest in the latest gadgetry, especially if it can significantly improve practice workflows, cut down on procedure times, reduce repeat visits, and more. In turn, this improves the overall experience for patients.

The key to identifying the right technology is to prioritize what capability you would most like to gain or enhance. Do your due diligence to ensure that there is solid foundation of scientific evidence that proves effectiveness before investing. In my practice, I’ve implemented a variety of technologies including:

• Morita F40 CBCT for high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging
• Global A Series™ microscopes, magnification for enhanced precision
• The DEXIS™ NOMAD™ system, a portable x-ray system
• The DentalVibe^®, for anxiety-free dental injections
• The GentleWave^® System from Sonendo^®, an advanced technology for root canal treatment

The importance of understanding the technology

Working in dentistry can be both challenging and humbling. Almost every endodontist has worked through a time when they believed they could do something easily, but it turned out to be much more complicated than they originally anticipated. Dental technology earns its stripes in instances like this. Endodontists and their technology partners help inspire and develop instruments to successfully navigate the myriad complexities of saving teeth.

And while innovative technology can certainly make things simpler, it’s important to keep in mind that there is still a lot of activity that happens behind the scenes. With this, endodontists and their teams must dedicate time and resources to understanding how to properly use the technology that they’ve invested in and how to best integrate it into their practice workflows.

In a similar vein, endodontists should always be prepared to explain a new technology to their patients. While many patients aren’t eager to know all of the details, there are circumstances under which a patient may ask how a technological process works and its benefits. I build rapport with each patient to discern how granular an explanation they need for peace of mind. Sharing details with curious patients can help answer questions and curb worries or anxieties. Some patients even want to watch the procedure! The video camera on the Global A Series microscope can beam the procedure to the ceiling-mounted TV, so they can witness their tooth being saved in real time.

Overall patient sentiment

My patients have an overwhelmingly positive response to the technology I’ve incorporated into my office.

Integrating CBCT into my practice has greatly increased diagnosis accuracy and case treatment planning strategy; resulting in heightened effectiveness and faster healing times. Patients love viewing CBCT images of their teeth! It opens up a whole new world of understanding about their dental health.

The NOMAD system enables more mobility and efficiency, as I am no longer confined to the limited movement of a wall-mount unit. Patients are impressed with digital technology and the speed at which the radiographic images of their teeth can be visualized and shared among providers. We always share these high-resolution images with their dentist in a detailed treatment report.

I have integrated a customized anesthesia technique to minimize discomfort during the dreaded numbing portion of the appointment. I often have patients ask me what I am doing while numbing them, as it is so comfortable they may not even know that the numbing process is taking place. The DentalVibe technique provides a nice distraction so patients don’t have to feel the injection discomfort associated with anesthesia.

Root canals are perhaps one of the most dreaded procedures among patients, even causing some to delay necessary treatment. To help combat this, I utilize the GentleWave System, a technology that enables a minimally invasive procedure. My patients have been pleasantly surprised by the fast recovery time – some have even found it hard to believe that they’ve had root canal therapy at all. Many patients even fall asleep during treatment, which is a testament to my team and these technologies working seamlessly together.

Our Google reviews validate the comfort our patients experience from the technologies we’ve utilized. Our schedule reflects the successful case outcomes utilizing this array of innovation that our referring doctors have come to expect.

What next?

Make sure to ask the important questions before committing to a technology, and evaluate whether it’s the best move for your business at that moment in time. As a practice owner, don’t be impulsive. Be sure to inquire about costs of disposables and any extended maintenance and warranty plans. Keep in mind that investing in new technology might not be right for every practice at every stage of growth. As your business continues to expand, using advanced, effective technological instruments is an impactful way to enhance what matters most – patient care – and differentiate your office from others.

As innovative technologies continue to emerge, it’s essential that endodontists work diligently to vet what is fad and what is the future. I believe there can be a misleading narrative that with the use of technology, all procedures, like root canals, are easy now. In reality, all of the technologies I use work in concert with each other and my team. They do not negate the fundamentals of dentistry; case selection, clinical acumen and academic rigor will always win the day. For providers, keeping your sword sharp with continuing education is ultimately the best investment you can make.

If you’re interested in learning more about how I maintain an inviting office, the benefits of our technologies and more, you can visit my website at https://www.wisemanendo.com/.