We are very sensitive to the needs of those patients who experience dental anxiety. We work hard to alleviate your fears and we are happy to provide the following for your comfort:
We prioritize patient comfort and try to make each operatory a relaxing, spa-like space. Check out this video from our west office. What a view!
Wichita Family Dental is a digital practice and we utilize digital 3D imaging. There are many advantages to digital imaging over traditional x-rays. First of all, it’s more comfortable for you. It also greatly reduces your exposure to radiation and it is safer for the environment. The images are of higher quality and, best of all, it takes just 20 seconds to conduct a scan, so your appointment will be shorter.
Our handheld nomads allow us to take x-rays in the room with you. They are portable, use less radiation, and capture the image quickly so they are perfect for pregnant women, squirming children, and patients with a strong gag reflex.
Laser therapy dental treatment is faster, more comfortable, and more precise. Many laser treatments can be done without the need for anesthesia and the recovery time is shorter than with other treatment methods. Laser technology can be used to detect and fill cavities, whiten teeth, treat periodontal disease, perform root canal therapy, reshape gums, and more. Dental lasers are safe and effective for both children and adults.
Intraoral cameras capture clear photos and videos of all areas in the mouth, including those that are hard-to-reach. They can uncover cracked teeth, plaque buildup, cavities, and decay. We can project these clear, defined, enlarged images so that you can see exactly what is going on in your mouth. The cameras are so small – in some cases, just a few millimeters long – that they don’t cause any pain or discomfort. They allow us to give you a faster, more accurate diagnosis with less chair time.
For patients who are nervous about needles and dental drills, we offer Air Abrasion as a comfortable alternative. It allows us to do fillings, sealants, tooth repair, and more using a small stream of air. We can even remove tooth decay and discoloration with precise targeting while leaving the healthy tooth intact. There is no need for anesthesia as air-abrasion is typically pain-free. It also allows us to do more in one visit, so you don’t need a second appointment.
We can also use the iTero to take digital impressions. They provide instant, accurate 3D images without gagging or discomfort. You can breathe and swallow naturally during the scan. It is radiation-free and the handheld wand works in as little as two to three minutes. It creates an accurate 3D impression of your teeth and soft tissue which can be used to create crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, and orthodontics, including Invisalign®, with a precise fit.
We have an amazing technology called CEREC® that allows us to do restorations like crowns in a single visit. When we use CEREC®, we create restorations right here in the office instead of sending them to a lab. That means you don’t need to wear a temporary crown AND you don’t need a second appointment. Even better, we can now do any type of filling with real porcelain – which lasts much longer and matches your surrounding teeth perfectly to create a natural-looking restoration.
Our 3D printer is one of only six in North America. 3D printers allow us to create models, guards, and retainers in-house instead of waiting for a lab to make them. We can even create dentures using the 3D printer, which is why we can have them ready for you within 24 hours.
Someone in the United States dies from oral cancer every hour. In addition to our oral cancer exams, we offer VELscope screening which can detect oral cancer at its earliest stage and increase the likelihood of stopping it while it’s still treatable. It is safe, painless, non-invasive, and it takes only two minutes. Ask your hygienist about it during your next appointment.
The iTero machine allows us to do Invisalign®, which is a great alternative to braces. Its Outcome Simulator is also one of our most useful tools. We can use it to show you exactly how your teeth will look following Invisalign® treatment. We can also simulate the future state of your teeth in detail, so you can see potential changes to your tooth wear, movement, and tissue over time and make the best decisions about your oral health in the present.
We use state-of-the-art hospital-grade sterilization to ensure our instruments are thoroughly cleansed and sterilized for the safest environment possible.
As many as 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. Wichita Family Dental is committed to offering our patients options that relieve their stress so they can get much-needed dental treatment in a comfortable environment. Sedation dentistry is an excellent option for patients who experience anxiety about being at the dentist, those who have a hard time sitting still for extended periods of time, and those who have difficulty getting and staying numb from anesthetics.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to safely put you at ease during your dental treatment. While under sedation, you do not experience sounds or smells. You have no sense of time so your Wichita Family Dental doctor can perform most or all of your work at once. You often have no memory of undergoing a dental procedure.
Studies suggest that up to 75% of Americans experience fear related to the dentist. If you experience dental anxiety, we want you to know that the team members at Wichita Family Dental will do everything in our power to put you at ease.
- Sweating
- Hyperventilating
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Queasiness or upset stomach
- Low blood pressure and/or fainting
While dental anxiety can seem insurmountable, avoiding the dentist will have serious consequences. Putting off regular cleanings and exams can lead to:
In addition, research suggests gum disease is linked to heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s.
Fortunately, the doctors and staff at Wichita Family Dental treat patients with dental anxiety every day. They are trained to act with compassion and understanding and there are many safe and comfortable techniques that can help you reduce your stress while getting the care you need.
Anything! We can perform dental cleanings, root canals, extractions, wisdom tooth removal, dental crowns, bridges, veneers, dental implants and dentures while you are sedated.
Nitrous Oxide – Laughing gas is the most common method of administering sedatives. It is useful for easing mild to moderate dental anxiety and will make you feel euphoric. Its effects wear off almost immediately as you breathe regular air, allowing you to get back to your daily routine quickly.
Mild (Anxiolysis) – The lightest form of sedation we offer. It is best for patients with mild anxiety. It is usually administered via oral sedation. You will breathe on your own during the procedure, though you may be very sleepy and relaxed. Anxiolysis sedation will wear off within a few hours following the procedure. Nitrous oxide inhalation is also a form of mild sedation that will keep you relaxed.
Moderate (Analgesia) – For those patients with moderate dental anxiety or longer, more complex procedures, analgesia – or conscious sedation – is available. Conscious sedation involves the use of light IV sedation. You will be awake during your procedure but you will be deeply relaxed. We recommend you have someone accompany you to your appointment as the sedative will take several hours to wear off and driving may be unsafe during this time.
Deep – While under deep sedation, you will waver between consciousness and unconsciousness. You will not remember your treatment and while you may be awake, you will be unable to respond to commands. We recommend having someone accompany you to your appointment as the sedative will take several hours to wear off and driving may be unsafe during this time.
Whatever your level of dental anxiety may be, there are many safe techniques that can aid in reducing your stress. If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, here are our tips for remaining calm:
