Our philosophy is a simple one rooted in medicines first rule first, do no harm. We believe in treating the patient then the disease. Simply put, your well-being and comfort is our priority. We especially feel this is an important virtue when treating our children at our office. Instilling fear of the dentist into a child is only likely to produce fear of dentistry as an adult. We believe respect and building trust with our patients is an important step in establishing a rapport that leads to a beautiful, healthy smile for a lifetime. As in treating the disease, we employ ever-present modern technologies and materials and pride ourselves in maintaining a clean, modern facility. We believe the patient deserves the best in care and in quality when it comes to their dental health.
Dr. Wickenhauser and his caring team realize the importance of listening to their patients concerns. In this day with so much medical technology at our fingertips, clinicians may ignore the opportunity to truly listen to their patients. Many times, just listening to the patient about their symptoms and concerns can substantially aid to the proper diagnosis and treatment. At our office, we take our time with our patients discussing any concerns, the treatment options, and the payment process. We believe an educated patient is the best patient.
Dr. Wickenhauser was born and raised in the Riverbend area where he currently resides with his family. He received his Bachelor of Science degree at Quincy University in 1994 and Doctrine of Dental Medicine at Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in 1998. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, and the Madison District Dental Society. He is also a proud member of OSAP (Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures). Dr. Wickenhauser has been published showcasing clinical cases in Dental Products Report, a leading national dental magazine for the dental profession and has been a select member of the Opinion Leader Panel for Coltene-Whaledent, Inc., a leading international manufacturer of dental materials. In addition, Dr. Wickenhauser is currently a keynote lecturer for the Kerr Corporation, a worldwide manufacturer of dental materials, and is an United States and worldwide patent holder co-developing a new novel topical anesthetic for the dental and health profession.
Dr. Wickenhauser serves on the Clinical Evaluator Panel for the American Dental Association (ADA) contributing feedback for the clinical input segments of the ADA Professional Product Review program. He is the 2009 recipient of the Illinois State Dental Society Childrens Dental Health Month Award, currently sits as a member of the Board of Directors for Giant Steps School for Autism in St. Louis and voted Best of the Best 2010 by the readers and online viewers of the Alton Telegraph for Madison County. Recently, Dr. Wickenhauser received Top Dentist in 2016 from St. Louis Magazine as voted among his peers.
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is used for its calming effect. Its a colorless, almost odorless gas that is combined with oxygen, and then administered to you through a small mask that covers your nose. It can help to relax you, ease your fear, and make you feel more comfortable during your dental treatment. Safe for patients of all ages.
In combination with the wand system, this topical creates a pain-free experience for injections, and in many cases, the use of the needle is no longer needed for certain procedures. Providing comfort to our patients and bridging the gap of fear to trust is important to us. This topical is one of a kind and makes your overall experience more relaxing and less anxious.
This technology painlessly and quickly detects and rates areas of decay that may otherwise be mistaken as stains. It is a harmless and comfortable laser that screens the surfaces of teeth to detect even the smallest evidence of decay. By providing early detection of decay, the preservation of tooth structure is maintained and the treatment conservative.
Dr. Wickenhauser believes in the importance of involvement in the community. Dr. Wickenhauser and his team particularly involve themselves when the benefit is for the children in the area. A good example is attending the local schools to educate the children in dental health every February for Childrens Dental Health Month. Donation of time and money to our local private and public schools including the fine arts booster club, parents clubs, and the Bethalto Librarys Annual Summer Program are annual contributions from our office. Dr. Wickenhauser believes in giving back to the community and continues to do so as a welcomed responsibility to the community. As a result of his community efforts, Dr. Wickenhauser is a past recipient of the Illinois State Dental Societys Childrens Dental Health Month Award.