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 Year 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 accept, but these days a visit to the dentist may even have you appear more relaxed than you originally came in.

A reasonably new trend, spa dentistry joins 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 equal with dental procedures, such as aromatherapy, massaging dentist chairs, paraffin hand wax treatments, and scented neck pillows. Patients can also relish 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 peaceful music will bring a sense of calmness to some who live in more posh environments.

"Dentistry has chosen 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 equips diversions for squeamish patients, involving a large selection of music to produce 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 convenient to patients who have had their mouth numbed.

Patients of a practice are tucked below 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 lavender-scented mittens. As for the male patients they would rather have the movies through the virtual-reality glasses. The relaxation techniques are efficient 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 shown 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 capture 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.