Interview: Brian E. Hornberger, D.D.S., M.S.
A Painless Root Canal. Is this really true?
The feelings conjured up inside of you when your dentist informs you that you need a root canal are typically: anxiety, discomfort, long procedure, dread, fear, misery, pain -- the list goes on. The good news is that more and more of East County residents are having a fresh new experience when they visit East County Endodontics - swift, predictable, professional, painless root canal treatment. With so many smiles revolving around this new root canal experience in our area, Dr. Brian Hornberger of East County Endodontics has provided answers to some commonly asked questions.
Q: What is Endodontics?
Dr. H: Endodontics is a specialty that focuses on diseases of the dental pulp (nerve).
Q: How long have you and East County Endodontic’s been in Antioch?
Dr. H: I came to Antioch in 1996, after realizing there was such a desperate need for top-notch endodontic care in our community.
Q: What is unique about your office?
Dr. H: We have treated nearly 10,000 East County Residents, and so nearly everyone knows somebody who has been treated in our office. When people consistently are treated well above their expectations, they remember it on a deep, feeling level. It is something not found often in today’s society, and is very meaningful. People want their loved ones to share this feeling when confronted with major dental needs. The key to a great root canal experience is the total package. We call it an experience because I see it as such, and not simply a root canal appointment.
Q: What should a patient expect?
Dr. H: Our job is simply to love and serve each patient, and to do what the doctor does best. I am committed to pain-free treatment, and it is not only possible, but mandatory for me. I set high standards, and patients recognize them and hold me accountable for them.
I want the patient to feel treated as I would -- professional, competent, timely, swift and efficiently with zero pain or discomfort. We want all our patients to feel comfortable, relaxed and know that there will be no surprises. This includes everything from the phone conversation at the appointment set-up, to the financial responsibilities, to the actual diagnosis and treatment, and finally the post-procedural instructions and dismissal from the office. It is a seamless operation which requires meticulous detail. Most patients don’t want to have to worry about the details (they are most concerned about their sick tooth), and that is why I insist we cover all of them well.
Q: People say that the procedure hurts because the doctor couldn’t get them numb. What do you do in those cases?
Dr. H: I get them numb. I learned early in my career that the greatest fear a patient has is feeling the procedure because they are not numb. Many people have been hurt before in the dental chair because they were not numb and the doctor kept working, so the fears are legitimate. Not only are the fears real, but they bed deep in the subconscious and the fear amplifies each time they visit a dentist. I am an expert at getting “hot” teeth numb. I do it every day that I work. I have a sequential technique in getting teeth numb, and I will always test the particular tooth again just prior to working on it to be absolutely sure there is no longer sensation in the tooth. Patients respond as though a weight was lifted off of them when they, too, are certain the tooth is totally numb before the procedure begins.
Q: How long does a typical procedure take?
Dr. H: Average treatment time, start to finish, for a root canal in my office is now less than one hour. I obtained the most modern technology and created simplified systems that allow myself and my team to be highly efficient. In fact, I have visited many other endodontic offices in my quest for excellence, and I do believe we at East County Endodontics, are one of the most efficient offices in the nation.
Q: What are the advantages to seeing a specialist?
Dr. H: Specialization requires several additional years of training in a residency program beyond dental school. As a specialist, root canals are all I do, day in and day out. I have sophisticated equipment available and am prepared for every circumstance in each operatory at all times. It’s not that the general dentist does a poor job, it is simply that they are trying to juggle a huge variety of procedures needed to treat patients in a family practice. By specializing, I am able to focus on one thing, and that is the one patient in my care, and the root canal that needs to be done. This has allowed me to get phenomenal results with ease.
Q: I often hear that fees are higher with specialists. Some people have a limited budget and cannot afford to have a specialist work on their tooth.
Dr. H: Specialty fees are somewhat higher than the General Dentists fees. Some will justify this through the expensive equipment or the extra schooling required, but that just never really sits well with me. I believe the patient is paying for expert care and predictable results. A patient who “shops” for a discounted price may end up with discounted results. If not performed correctly they may end up having to redo the procedure a second time and thereby doubling their original costs.
Q: Do you only work with or get referrals from certain General Dentists?
Dr. H: Since opening an office in Antioch, I have seen patients from every single established dentist in East County. Some refer more patients than others, and that usually corresponds with their personal standards and level of comfort in doing root canals in their own office. I have personally treated many of our local dentists as well as their family members since establishing my practice here. That’s one of my greatest testaments, because I know that they are seeking the best treatment and trust my care.