The Eccentric Birmingham - Bloomfield Edition

Author: Kimberly A. Mortson

Title: Patients get a view of dentistry from an entirely new perspective

Rumelani Besinga went scuba diving the last time she visited her dentist. It wasn't nitrous oxide that gave her the feeling she was swimming amid a school of tropical fish, but the 3-D goggle-like glasses she wore during the temporary installation of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.

The glasses, offered to patients of Dr. Timothy Kosinski, D.D.S. of Comprehensive Dentistry in Bingham Farms, allows patients to view the latest movies on video, watch television or experience swimming underwater, taking a hot air balloon ride over the Rocky Mountains or skiing down a steep, snow-covered mountain.

The technology is similar to movies like those shown at the 3-D IMAX Theater at the Detroit Science Center but pared down into goggles that completely cover the eyes and a headset for the ears.

"It took my mind off what Dr. Kosinski was doing," said Besinga, a Westland resident. "It was a great thing to help pass the time especially during a long procedure."

The 3-D illusion puts the images of the same scene, taken at slightly different angles, together. Using special glasses the images are seen as single pictures and appear to have depth, therefore simulating the visual and physical senses that give the wearer the sense they're swimming, flying or moving with the video.

Kosinski purchased a single pair of the glasses, at a cost of $499 six months ago after he saw them at a dental convention in Detroit. He also became familiar with the technology while serving on the editorial review board for Reality, a publication that reviews new dental products and makes recommendations to industry-related professionals.

"Patients can tune out what's being done in their mouth and not hear or see the dental instruments and focus on something else like watching television or a movie," said Kosinski, a dentist since 1984.

In the past, Comprehensive Dentistry used techniques such as televisions, VCR's, sedation and patient education to help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with a trip to the dentist. Kosinski says, however, that the 3D glasses and head set, with Surround Sound technology, blocks out the distractions of the dental office and lets a patients strong visual sense take over to put them at ease.

"Patients love it," said Kosinski, "and it really helps pass the time during long procedures. We, in some instances, have reduced the need for sedation and find our patients have a better dental experience than they may have had in the past.

"We don't want bad experiences, just good visits whether the patient is a child or an adult."

Breaking the chain of anxiety associated with a negative office visit can be a challenge, but a necessary measure when the well-being of someone's oral health is involved.

Kosinski has many patients that come from as far away as Saginaw and out-of-state clients including Pennsylvania and Boston because of the extensive dental services he offers from general, implant and cosmetic dentistry to bone grafting and care for the physically challenged. All the more reason Kosinski offers the glasses to his patients.

Besinga, 28, said she was referred to Kosinski by her general care dentist due to his knowledge and experience with dental implants.

"Many of these procedures are lengthy and require repeat visits," said Kosinski.

"We'll do everything we can to make the patient more comfortable. The glasses take the patients mind to a different level."

"My procedure required a small amount of anesthetic but otherwise the glasses really helped me relax.

"I would recommend people watch nature movies. Movies of a non-violent nature. The undersea movie was very relaxing and time went by really quickly," said Besinga.

If you would like information from Comprehensive Dentistry, call (248 646-8651)