Spa services dull the pain of a trip to see the dentist

CHICAGO — When you think of relaxation, dental drills and Novocain needles don't come to mind.

So it seems odd to see "dental spa" written across the glass doors of a dentist's office in Chicago's tony Water Tower building, and to hear soothing classical music as you lie on a cushy massaging reclining chair while the hygienist readies her tooth scraper.

It may seem odd, but it's getting more and more common. Spa dentistry is a growing niche carved out by tooth doctors trying to take the bite out of going to the dentist.

At the Mitchell Dental Spa in Chicago, patients are offered a flat-screen TV to watch while the dentist is drilling, not to mention 10-minute spa treatments, including cooling eye masks and back massages by a massage therapist — all free with routine dental care.

"If you have to have a dental procedure, nobody's looking forward to it. If we can create an environment so people can relax, have something to eat ... give them a back massage afterward, I think we can start to turn it around and make it a really positive experience," said Dr. Margaret Mitchell, who turned her regular practice into a dental spa a few months ago.

How about a tingly peppermint foot scrub while having your fillings replaced? That's offered at The Hills Dental Spa in Austin, Texas, where amenities also include herbal teas and lavender aromatherapy candles to disguise that medicinal dental-office smell.

Hot wax mittens during root canals are available at New York City's Manhattan Dental Spa. For $95 extra, the office last year began offering acupuncture by a trained hygienist, for relaxation during dental procedures.

American Dental Association (ADA) data suggest that about one-fourth of U.S. adults avoid dental visits because of fear of pain or a previous bad experience. To make the experience more comfortable, dentists several years ago began offering things such as television and headphones. Spa services are an extension of that trend, said Dr. Matthew Messina, a dental association spokesman.

Some dentists have taken the spa concept a step further, opening their offices to skin specialists offering Botox and other cosmetic procedures.

"If the patient is more relaxed and the dentist is more relaxed, then it really is a kind of win-win situation," Messina said.

Still, Messina added: "Fundamentally, the dentistry has to be well-done or the rest of it is just all smoke and mirrors."

Not all patients want to be pampered.

"There's a pretty good mix of America that just wants the dentistry done and to get it over with," Messina said.