How Virtual Reality Can Ease Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety affects approximately 30-40 million people in the United States.  These people choose to deal with infection, broken teeth and pain over going to the dentist because of their fears.  It is so important to us to help patients feel comfortable at their dental visits and now virtual reality glasses are helping us take that to the next level.

While originally intended for entertainment, the clinical applications of virtual reality are being realized more all the time.  Research shows that the total immersion of virtual reality distracts the brain to lessen anxiety in the dental chair.  Furthermore, it decreases the vividness of a patient’s memory of their dental experience after the fact.  Both contribute to less dental anxiety in the chair and in the future.

Patients can wear a virtual reality headset with noise canceling headphones during their dental procedure.  Because playing games with virtual reality involves moving one’s head, instead patients are able to watch movies or shows on Netflix.

Ask us about the virtual reality glasses at your next appointment, because going to the dentist could be as easy as watching your favorite show!