Dentist sinks her teeth into spa dentistry concept Local dentist offers massages, aromatherapy along with oral care BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer NORTH BRUNSWICK - A dentist's chair can be one of the most feared places. That's why local dentist Nihal Kamel is combining spa services with her dental treatments to make the experience more pleasurable. "You have to be able to give patients what you think they deserve, the environment you think they deserve," she said. Kamel, a North Brunswick resident, has been practicing dentistry in the township for the past six years. She graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in engineering, and then went to dental school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where she earned a perfect score on the clinical National Board exam. She is a member of the UMDNJ faculty and is a member of theAmericanAcademy of Cosmetic Dentists, the American Association of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Education Association. She has been listed in the "Guide to America's Top Dentists" for the past three years. In addition, she participates in Give Kids a Smile, which provides dental care to underserved children free of charge. "I always loved going [to the dentist]." Kamel said. "I was one of those kids who was fascinated by it. I never had that fear. I wanted to help people." She is now moving to a new office on Route 130 in Cranbury, which borders South Brunswick, near Mercer and Monmouth counties, to provide relaxation services in a 2,500-square-foot facility for family and cosmetic dentistry. There will be aromatherapy, massage chairs, hot neck pillows, a complimentary beverage service, herbal eye masks, paraffin hand treatments and televisions. She is also partnering with the salon she frequents, VC Salon in Robbinsville, to give massages in the waiting room, offer gift baskets and pair redesigned teeth with a makeover. "I know myself, I love to go to the spa. I love to get pampered and I love to relax," she said. She said this is important because many patients hesitate to even make an appointment because of their fear. She wants people to look forward to the visit instead of dreading it. She said she will do the consultations herself so that patients have time to spend with her. "I really want the patients to feel that they are the most important people there," she said. "I want patients to be very comfortable with me. … A comfortable, relaxed patient is much easier to work with than someone who is scared or crying." From a medical point of view, Kamel said her first solo practice will offer the general procedures of cleanings, sealants, root canals, implants and extractions. She chooses to use white composite fillings for cavities instead of the old silver, mercury ones. She has an apparatus that ensures the mercury does not go into the water lines or sewer system. Technology-wise, Kamel uses digital Xrays and shows three-dimensional animation videos for procedures before she begins. There are oral cancer screenings and smoking-cessation programs, and also treatments for snoring and sleep apnea. She first works with an ear-nose-andthroat doctor and sleep center to diagnose sleep problems. Then, a patient can be prescribed with an air mask to sleep with, surgery to remove the tissue that is blocking the airway, or an oral appliance similar to a mouthguard to reposition the jaw so that the airway remains open. "This improves their quality of life. They are not tired, and it can improve relationships," she said. The new mother stressed that oral health is just as important as overall health, because oral disease can be an underlying factor for hypertension, heart disease, preterm labor and sleep apnea. On the more elective, cosmetic side, Kamel offers teeth whitening, straightening, veneers, dentures, bonding and porcelain crowns and bridges. Kamel said she accepts most insurance plans and can submit for other companies. She offers six months of interest-free financing approved through Capital One. Although she does simple oral surgery, she can refer patients to specialists if needed. "My main purpose and mission in having this office is to have the highest quality of comfort so people are not fearful of coming in. Most important is having oral health and maintaining it," she said. The office should open the first week of May at Constitution Center, 2650 Route 130, Suite J, Cranbury, 08512. For information, appointments or medical forms, visit www.NJBestSmiles.com or call (609) 409-5999.