10 Dental Offices that you'd actually LOOK FORWARD to visiting!

As long as humans have had teeth, they've had tooth problems. Primitive dental practices reach back to the Stone Age (ouch); texts from ancient Egypt mention dentistry and the Etruscans figured out a way to make dental crowns out of gold.

In the Middle Ages, your local barber could pull teeth. Before being caught up with his famous "midnight ride," Paul Revere offered dental services. The first dental school in the U.S., Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, opened in 1840.

Since that time, the practice has grown: there are about 230,000 dentists in America. Any of them can handle the recommended twice-yearly checkup, but if you want to do it in style, check out some of the most interesting dental offices in the country.

1. DJM Orthodontics, Conway, Ar

It looks like a retro '50s gas station, complete with a front desk designed as a vintage car. Scattered amongst the dental equipment are old-fashioned "gas pumps", Coke machines and more touches that make you feel like you stepped back into the era of "Happy Days."

2. Bloo-dental, Ashburn, Va

The name is a twist on Dr. Haress Rahim's favorite color, and it's everywhere in this soothing practice. The walls reflect another of his interests: scuba diving. Undulating waves make you feel as if you're in a peaceful underwater environment, where a dental drill is far, far away.

3. Dentistry For Kids, Wilsonville, Or

What kid wouldn't want to go to the dentist when they go to one like this? Exam rooms each have a theme, like a jungle or a floating hot air balloon. The waiting area for little ones looks like a kindergarten classroom; teens hang out in a retro diner where video games are plentiful.

4. Children's Dental Care, Lakeville, Mn

The under-the-sea design keeps nervous kids mesmerized. A huge aquarium in the waiting room is a favorite feature; exam rooms continue the theme with lots of sea creatures to distract little patients.

5. The Tooth Ferry, Friday Harbor, Wa

Patients can gaze out of huge windows on some pretty luscious scenery. That's not the only green thing about this innovative practice: the office is paperless and prints everything with vegetable-based ink. Most of the building was constructed with sustainable materials.

6. Kidzaam Dental Klubhouse, Prescott, Az

They practice something called "DentalTainment" to put kids at ease. The office exterior looks like something out of a cartoon and everyone wears crazy uniforms. It's no problem getting kids to go for a checkup.

7. Cosmetic Dentistry Institute, Troy, Mi

You'll think you're at a high-end spa, not the dentist. Patients are given cups of tea or fresh-squeezed juice before and after procedures, and offered a cozy blanket. During it, stereo headphones pump in soothing music, or you can watch a DVD. Oh yeah, and you can have a paraffin hand treatment, too.

8. Washington Square Park Dental, San Francisco, Ca

The nearby park was a big inspiration in this lush office. There are huge windows to let in lots of natural light. Each exam room features tons of plants, and a video screen over the chair projects relaxing images from nature.

9. Atlanta Dental Spa, Buckhead, Ga

It is simply one of the most gorgeous dental offices you'll ever find. The design is sleek and modern, but also feels "homey." A "forest" of birch tress decorates the waiting area, which also features elegant couches and deep chairs. You may never want to leave.

10. Exceptional Dentistry, Gilbert, Az

It's designed around a huge saltwater fish tank, visible from each exam room. If that's not enough to relax you, check out any of 700 cable channels. Or let the massage feature on the chair do its thing.