Helaine Smith DMD

When you sit in the exam chair at most dental offices, you look onto a tray of stainless steel dental instruments. It’s these instruments that raise your anxiety level — because let’s face it, who wants someone digging around in your mouth with these scary pointy things?

When you sit in the chair at my Boston dental office, however, you won’t see any instruments. That’s because I use a technique called “rear delivery,” which simply means that I keep my tray of instruments and other tools behind the dental chair, where you can’t see them.

Instead, you face a window where you’re bathed in defused natural sunlight. You hear music (usually something classical) and see/smell a fragrant candle burning. What all of this means for you is a soothing atmosphere that makes you feel calm and relaxed.

The patient who inspired the video below was one who was afraid to visit the dentist. In fact, she had put off her procedure for a couple of years because of her fear. After her procedure, she told me she was so relaxed, she almost fell asleep in the chair! It’s these types of stories that always make me happy.

If you’ve wanted cosmetic dentistry, such as dental implants, veneers or even reconstruction work, but have put it off due to fear of the dentist, please call my office. I assure you that once you see my office, you’ll understand why it’s not like any dental office you’ve ever visited — and that in itself will help lower your fear.