Dental Companion
Your dental letter.
Clearly explained.
Understand your dental findings, proposed treatment and estimated costs with a detailed explanation written directly to you. Clear language, useful illustrations and space to understand the detail.
We explain your document. Your dentist remains the person to discuss diagnosis, treatment choices and your care.
2–10 pages, usually
Your findings. Your treatment plan.
Your questions, clearly organized.
What you receive
The detail you need.
Clearly set out.
Your companion works through your document in manageable sections. It explains unfamiliar terms in context, separates confirmed plans from proposals and highlights questions that still need an answer.
The example below shows a complex dental letter turned into eight illustrated pages. Each page also has extra detail you can open.
Explore the complete example ↘- 01
Your main findings
What the letter says about your teeth and gums.
- 02
The terminology explained
Dental terms, tooth numbers and abbreviations.
- 03
The proposed treatment
What each stage means and what still depends on assessment.
- 04
Your appointments and estimate
Confirmed dates, outstanding arrangements and itemized costs.
- 05
Questions and next steps
Useful points to discuss with your dental team.
A complete illustrated example
One dental letter.
Eight pages of clarity.
Explore an explanation of a complex letter covering a painful molar, gum disease, proposed treatment and an estimate. The wording is addressed directly to the person receiving it.
Read the original dental letter
Dental assessment and proposed treatment
Dear Jordan,
This letter summarizes your comprehensive examination, periodontal charting and bitewing/periapical radiographs. Tooth numbers use the US Universal Numbering System.
1. Tooth #30: lower right first molar
Tooth #30 has extensive recurrent distal caries beneath an existing large restoration. You report spontaneous pain, lingering pain after cold and discomfort on biting. The tooth is tender to percussion. The clinical diagnoses are symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis. There is no definite periapical radiolucency on the current radiograph. No facial swelling or systemic symptoms were recorded today.
Restorability is uncertain until the decay is removed and the remaining tooth structure is assessed. A crack cannot be excluded. Endodontic assessment is recommended before definitive treatment. If the tooth is restorable, the proposed sequence is root canal treatment, core buildup and a crown. Extraction was discussed as an alternative if a predictable restoration is not possible. No extraction, implant or replacement procedure is scheduled.
2. Periodontal findings and tooth #14
Periodontal charting records generalized 4–5 mm probing depths with localized 6 mm sites, bleeding on probing and subgingival calculus. Radiographs show horizontal alveolar bone loss. The diagnosis is periodontitis. Scaling and root planing across four quadrants is proposed, followed by reassessment approximately six weeks after completion.
Tooth #14, the upper left first molar, has a separate disto-occlusal carious lesion extending into dentin. Pulp testing was within normal limits at this visit. A composite restoration is proposed; no root canal treatment is currently proposed for this tooth.
3. Appointments and outstanding arrangements
- September 18, 2026, 10:00 AM: endodontic consultation confirmed.
- September 23, 2026, 9:00 AM: right-side periodontal treatment confirmed.
- September 30, 2026, 9:00 AM: left-side periodontal treatment confirmed.
- The root canal, core, crown and #14 filling are proposed but not yet scheduled.
- The periodontal reassessment date will be arranged after treatment is completed.
4. Provisional estimate
Endodontic consultation $160; root canal treatment on #30 $1,450; core buildup $320; crown $1,450; scaling and root planing, four quadrants at $240 each, $960; composite filling on #14 $280; periodontal reevaluation $120. Total: $4,740.
These illustrative US-dollar fees assume that all listed procedures proceed. The root canal/core/crown fees depend on tooth #30 being restorable. Extraction, implants, other replacement options and any additional imaging are excluded. Insurance review is pending; no benefit payment or final patient responsibility is confirmed.
5. Symptoms requiring earlier contact
Contact the dental office the same day for increasing swelling, fever, worsening pain or pain you cannot manage. Use an emergency dental service if the office is unavailable. Call 911 for difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, or uncontrolled severe bleeding. Do not wait for a scheduled visit if these emergency symptoms occur.
No antibiotic or new medication prescription is issued in this sample. Contact your dentist about medication or pain-management questions.
Maya Bennett, DDS
End of fictional letter.
Your letter at a glance
The main points in your letter
Your letter describes three areas of care: a painful lower right molar, gum disease and a separate cavity in an upper left molar. The proposed treatment addresses each of these findings.
Your lower right first molar.
The painful tooth needing specialist assessment.
Your upper left first molar.
A separate tooth with a proposed filling.
Your gums also need treatment
The letter records gum inflammation and loss of some supporting bone. Gum treatment is listed separately from treatment inside tooth #30.
Some decisions remain open
Your specialist still needs to assess whether tooth #30 can be restored predictably. The proposed root canal and crown depend on that assessment.
More about the overall plan
The tooth numbers identify locations, not a severity score. “Right” and “left” refer to your own right and left.
The letter does not say that every tooth needs root canal treatment. The endodontic referral concerns #30. The filling recommendation concerns #14. Scaling and root planing concerns the gums and root surfaces in four areas of your mouth.
The estimate brings these proposed services together. It does not confirm that your insurer will pay or that every procedure will go ahead.
Your painful tooth
What the findings on #30 mean
Your dentist found new decay beneath an existing filling in tooth #30. Your symptoms and examination suggest inflammation inside the tooth and around the tip of its root.
Irreversible pulpitis
The pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth. Your dentist’s diagnosis means it is inflamed and is not expected to recover on its own.
Apical periodontitis
This describes inflammation around the root tip. It helps explain why the tooth may feel sore when you bite or when the dentist taps it.
More about the symptoms and X-ray
“Recurrent caries” means decay around or beneath an existing restoration. “Distal” identifies the side facing toward the back of your mouth. “Tender to percussion” means the tooth hurt when tapped during examination.
The letter says there is no definite dark area around the root tip on the current X-ray. That does not cancel the findings from your symptoms and examination. It also does not prove that a crack is absent.
Background: American Association of Endodontists: root canal treatment.
Your gum assessment
Understanding your gum measurements
Your dentist measured the spaces between your teeth and gums. Your letter records pockets of 4–6 millimeters, bleeding during measurement and changes to the bone supporting your teeth.
What periodontitis means
Gum disease has affected the tissues supporting your teeth. The letter records both inflammation and supporting bone loss.
What the measurements do not mean
A 6 mm pocket is a measured depth. It is not a percentage of bone lost and does not, by itself, mean the tooth must be removed.
More about the gum findings
“Subgingival calculus” means hardened deposits below the gumline. “Bleeding on probing” describes bleeding during the gum examination. “Horizontal alveolar bone loss” refers to a pattern of reduced bone height seen on the X-rays.
The letter does not give a tooth-by-tooth long-term outlook. Ask which areas need the closest monitoring and how your dentist will judge the response to treatment.
Background: NIDCR: periodontal disease.
The proposed treatment for #30
Root canal, buildup and crown
Your letter lists three different stages for tooth #30. They address the inside of the tooth, its remaining structure and its outer protection. This plan depends on the tooth being restorable.
Root canal
Treats the pulp space and root canals inside your tooth.
Core buildup
Rebuilds missing structure to support the planned restoration.
Crown
Covers the prepared tooth to help restore its shape and protect it.
More about the decision still to be made
An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in the pulp and tissues around tooth roots. Your consultation is an assessment appointment; the letter does not confirm root canal treatment for that same visit.
“Restorable” means the tooth can be rebuilt in a way the dentist considers suitable. Remaining tooth structure, decay and any crack can affect that judgment. Extraction was discussed as an alternative if restoration is not predictable. This explanation does not choose between those options.
Background: ADA: root canals · ADA: crowns.
Your other proposed care
Gum treatment and your separate filling
Your plan also includes cleaning below the gumline and a filling in tooth #14. These address different findings from the proposed root canal treatment on #30.
Scaling and root planing
A deeper cleaning of affected areas below the gumline. Your letter schedules the right and left sides on different dates.
Composite filling on #14
A tooth-colored filling is proposed for the separate cavity. Your letter does not currently propose root canal treatment for this tooth.
More about the follow-up
Scaling removes deposits above and below the gumline. Root planing treats affected root surfaces. Your dentist will explain the planned visits, comfort measures and aftercare instructions.
The gum reassessment checks the response after treatment. The letter does not promise that all pockets will return to a particular depth or say that further care will never be needed.
“Disto-occlusal” describes the surfaces involved in the proposed filling on #14: the back-facing and chewing surfaces.
Background: ADA: scaling and root planing · NIDCR: tooth decay.
Your follow-up plan
Your appointments and next steps
Your letter confirms three appointments. The remaining treatment dates depend on assessment and arrangements with your dental team. All dates shown here are in 2026.
Specialist consultation confirmed
An endodontist will assess tooth #30 and discuss whether it can be restored.
Right-side gum treatment confirmed
The first two quadrants are scheduled for treatment.
Left-side gum treatment confirmed
The remaining two quadrants are scheduled.
Not yet scheduled: root canal, buildup and crown on #30; filling on #14; and gum reassessment about six weeks after gum treatment is completed.
More about timing and coordination
The reassessment interval runs from completion of gum treatment, not from the date of the letter. If treatment dates change, the review timing may also change.
Ask which office will contact you about the root canal decision, who will provide the crown and how those appointments will be coordinated. The letter does not specify all of those arrangements.
If symptoms worsen before your appointment, use the contact guidance on page 8 rather than assuming you should wait.
Your itemized estimate
Understanding the proposed costs
Your sample estimate totals $4,740 if every listed procedure proceeds. These are fictional US-dollar fees, not market-price guidance or the price of Clarity Companion.
| Listed service | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Endodontic consultation | $160 |
| Root canal — tooth #30 | $1,450 |
| Core buildup — tooth #30 | $320 |
| Crown — tooth #30 | $1,450 |
| Gum treatment — 4 × $240 | $960 |
| Composite filling — tooth #14 | $280 |
| Gum reassessment | $120 |
| Total if all proceed | $4,740 |
The treatment may change
The root canal, buildup and crown depend on tooth #30 being restorable. A different plan would need a revised estimate.
Insurance is not confirmed
Your letter gives no confirmed insurer payment or final amount you will personally owe.
More about what is included
The $960 gum-treatment amount is the total of four $240 entries. It is not an additional charge on top of those four entries.
Extraction, implants, other replacement options and additional imaging are excluded from this sample estimate. Their omission does not mean they are free or already approved.
Ask the office for an updated written estimate if the clinical plan changes. You can also ask which fees are billed by the specialist and what your insurer has actually confirmed.
Your questions and contact guidance
What to clarify—and when to get help
You can use these questions to prepare for your consultation. Your letter also includes symptoms that should prompt earlier contact.
- What will determine whether tooth #30 can be restored?
- If the plan changes, what are my alternatives and the revised costs?
- Who will arrange the remaining treatment and review appointments?
Call 911 for emergency symptoms
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, or uncontrolled severe bleeding. Do not wait for your appointment.
Contact your dental team the same day
Increasing swelling, fever, worsening pain or pain you cannot manage. If the office is unavailable, contact an emergency dental service.
More about using this explanation
The urgent instructions above reflect this fictional source letter. They do not replace the instructions your own dental team gives you.
Keep your questions and the answers with your letter so you can refer to them when appointments or estimates change.
Background: ADA: dental emergencies · ADA: dental abscess.
The clinical letter and patient are fictional. The linked organizations provide background information and have not reviewed or endorsed this sample.
Your own companion normally runs to 2–10 pages, depending on your document. This example shows one possible format. Spoken reading depends on your browser.
Documents we explain
Bring the paperwork
you already have.
You can upload a letter, report, estimate or set of instructions.
Treatment plans
Proposed procedures, stages, consent wording and outstanding decisions.
Estimates and bills
Itemized charges, listed services and what the document says is included.
Specialist letters
Root canal, periodontal, orthodontic, oral surgery and implant correspondence.
Reports and findings
Dental terminology, tooth numbers, examination notes and written results.
Aftercare instructions
The timings, practical steps and contact instructions already in your document.
Insurance correspondence
Benefit and claim wording, with unclear or unconfirmed details identified.
How it works
From your document
to a clearer explanation.
Upload your document
Send the dental paperwork you want help understanding.
Tell us what you need
Highlight any wording, treatment stages or costs you want explained.
Read at your own pace
Receive a detailed explanation with clear sections, useful questions and optional audio.
Your document, explained with clear limits
Clarity Companion explains what your paperwork says. It does not diagnose, choose treatment, determine whether a fee is fair or confirm insurance coverage. Your dentist, specialist or insurer can answer those questions.
Before you upload
A few practical
questions.
How detailed is the explanation?
Your companion normally runs to 2–10 pages. The length and structure depend on your document. It covers the main points and works through relevant details rather than offering only a brief summary.
Will you tell me which treatment to choose?
We explain the proposed options and identify questions you may want to ask. Treatment recommendations and decisions belong with you and your dental team.
Can you explain costs and insurance wording?
We can explain the listed charges, what the document includes and which amounts remain uncertain. We do not assess whether fees are fair or promise what your insurer will pay.
Can the explanation be written directly to me?
Yes. The explanation can address you directly, using clear adult language. You can tell us which tone and format would be most useful.
Can I listen instead of reading?
An optional audio version is available. The sample above also offers page-by-page spoken reading when supported by your browser.
Understand your next step.
Start with the dental document you want explained.