06/02/2026
A 71-year-old woman presented to an office with significant anxiety. According to her, her father, while serving in the U.S. military, died in a dental chair. She suffered from intense dental fear her entire life as a result.
After a thorough dental exam, a radiographic exam, and a review of her history and objectives, it was determined that all of her remaining teeth should be extracted and replaced with an implant-retained overdenture. Judging by her radiographs, it was anticipated that the extractions would be difficult and time-consuming. She refused to be “put to sleep” for the procedure.
The dentist realized that the only option to calm her fears was to provide her with the VR glasses during the extraction, bone graft, and implant surgery procedures.
After several technically difficult appointments, the patient now enjoys a finished product. Her level of gratitude is off the charts, and she has repeatedly told us that we “saved her life.” When asked if the glasses made a difference, she responded, “It made all the difference.”
Images courtesy of Dr. Ankur Gupta.