Evolution Of Dentistry: Not Like The Old Times Anymore

By Author: Sally Smith
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Patients do not frequently consider dentist visits to be a relaxing experience. In fact, the nervousness of having dental work done can be reflected in the fewer than two-thirds of adult Americans who report visiting a dentist during a twelve-month period. In light of these kinds of stats, dentists are turning to the way of the spa in order to offer dental experiences that are more relaxing for their patients. It may seem hard to consider, but these days a visit to the dentist may even have you come out more relaxed than you originally came in.

A reasonably new trend, spa dentistry connects spa and dental treatments to alternating degrees. Some dental practices are infusing treatments such as reflexology, a strategic foot massage, to help calm nervous patients. Other practices might even offer more in depth spa treatments alongside dental procedures, such as aromatherapy, massaging dentist chairs, paraffin hand wax treatments, and lavender scented neck pillows. Patients can also like gourmet refreshments such as coffee, herbal tea and fresh baked cookies. Spa dental offices may also offer concierge, mineral essential ...
... facials, and even virtual reality glasses to show movies during dental procedures. Waterfall fountains and quiet music will bring a sense of calmness to some who live in more posh environments.

"Dentistry has taken up a philosophy of making the patient feel like they are anywhere but the dentist office." says Dr. Shilpa Trivedi, chief dentist at Preferred Dental Care ( http://preferreddentalcare.net ) To that end, the practice gives diversions for squeamish patients, involving a large selection of music to form an ambient atmosphere; massage mats controlled by the patient; lavender pressure point cream massaged into the temples to ease stress; and lifescape glasses. Baskin Robbin milkshakes, hot towels, lip balm, and ibuprofen is even made possible to patients who have had their mouth numbed.

Patients of a practice are tucked under a fuzzy blanket while heated lavender-filled pillows aid the neck and back. Instead of withdrawing from bright lights, patients rest their eyes underneath a lavender eye mask, and their hands receive a skin-softening treatment in peppermint-scented mittens. As for the male patients they would rather have the movies through the virtual-reality glasses. The relaxation techniques are productive for making the anesthetic work better and easing any pain associated with the dental treatments.

All this frou-frou treatment is more than some socialites idea of "me-time." Both relaxation procedures and oral health have confirmed to be important for patients at risk for conditions like heart attack or related circulatory diseases. As the dentist treats potential gum disease, a massage therapist helps patients eliminate anxiety through a massage.

Decreasing stress techniques are particularly good for patients with known heart disease. In fact, not only these kinds of techniques but also smaller dental appointments early in the day reduce heart attack risk. For example, patients who have undergone heart value replacement are at higher risk for an unusual life-threatening condition called bacterial endocarditis. Dentists who are working with heart patients may find relaxation techniques and monitoring for complications which could prove to be a life saver.