Contemplating a trip to the dentist can be stressful, let alone actually sitting in the operatory chair.

Knowing this is the case for many people, Orange County dentist Dr. Mark Olson incorporates a new tool to put his patients at ease: virtual reality.

The system, a state-of-the-art Samsung Gear powered by Oculus device, allows patients to immerse themselves in a calm space, a meditative state-of-mind, during their procedure.  Dr. Olson is one of the first dentists in the world to offer such a service.

Dr. Mark Olson incorporates Virtual Reality to put his dental patients at ease.

“We are always looking for ways to make a visit to the dentist – whether for just a cleaning to having multiple implants installed – as comfortable for our patients as possible,” Olson said.  “And it occurred to our team that allowing patients to access the latest in virtual reality technology can truly relieve anxiety.  To put in another way, your mouth may be at the dentist, but your brain can be surrounded by a sunset in Bali (shown).”

While this new technology won’t replace anesthetics, it offers patients an additional way to relieve the tension of the visit.

“Even as how caring and compassionate Dr. Mark has always been, I’ve always been a bit nervous about going to the dentist,” said longtime patient Bonnie Holley  “But when I slipped on the headset I nearly completely forgot that I was at the dentist and that changed the entire experience.  I actually almost wanted to stay longer in the chair after the procedure was done just to have some extra me-time.”

The virtual reality system – and other new relaxation concepts like in-chair massages (to be introduced soon) – will be available to all of Dr. Olson’s patients as part of their visit.

For more information on the Virtual Reality system and Dr. Olson’s practice, visit www.markolsondds.com