Freshness and the fragrance of a place can emotional impact people. So it’s no surprise that aromatherapy can greatly enhance a dentist’s office, says Jerry Massimei, D.D.S., A.P.C., a dentist who specializes in providing gentle, experienced dental care to residents in Chula Vista, Eastlake and Bonita, California and runs his own practice, Jerry Massimei Dentistry.
Aromatherapy can work wonders on how we feel, which is why it can be so wonderful to use within the environment of a dentist’s office. We use an atomized spray that is injected into the air of our office, with various scents which are designed to put people in a relaxed, calm mood.
One effective scent is lavender, which seems to have the psychological effect of calming individuals, helping soothe them so that they are less fearful. We don’t use a heavy amount, just a small amount so that the feeling you get from it is really almost subliminal. You really don’t notice it but you do notice the calming, soothing effect.
Our goal is to distract people, to take their mind off the fact that they are having dental work done. With this in mind, we have several other things in place to make our office a more comfortable and happy place. Among them are:
- Televisions mounted over every chair with headphones for sound
- Heated vibrating massage chairs to relax in
- Stereo music played in the office throughout the day
- Children’s play area for kids to feel happy in
We also use digital radiopathy, a method of taking x-rays without having to develop them, which allows us to reduce radiation exposure down to practically nothing. And for deep cleaning, we use strictly ultrasonic scaling, not hand-held instruments. It is much more effective, gentle and less damaging to the root structure of the teeth.
Visiting a dentist should be a pleasant, soothing experience, not one which makes you feel uncomfortable or afraid. We do everything you can to ensure you have the nicest experience possible. Our use of aromatherapy, massage cushions, televisions, special chairs, headphones and even hypnosis will help you feel as happy as possible during your dental visit.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
