For Our Patients
Relax. At the dentist’s office.
The information you provide will be kept private as mandated by HIPAA.
Please print and sign this dental records release form prior to your first visit: Records Release Form
View our Privacy Policies Here: Notice of Privacy Practices
Smile Olympia Dentists Who Really Care
A smile has the power to do amazing things, like instantly brighten someone’s day. A single smile can offer reassurance, build confidence and inspire trust. It can even start a chain reaction of joy among complete strangers.
The Walker & Krause Dental Team in Olympia Washington loves to make people smile every day. It happens when we ease someone’s concerns, share a laugh or celebrate with them as they reveal their new appearance and realize they never have to hide their smile again.
Our team of highly dedicated dental professionals will work with you to achieve and maintain a healthy mouth and a great smile. We will take the time to get to know you and your family, and we will work to develop a care plan that is customized to your needs. Whether you come to see us for a simple exam and cleaning, or you are looking to have that perfect smile that you’ve always wanted, we will take every step to guide you on the path to your goal.
Infection Control and Safety in Our Dental Office
At Walker & Krause Dental Team we make our patient and team safety our top priority. We receive training at regular intervals to ensure that we are at the forefront of the dental industry with our infection control and safety practices. Everyone benefits from rigorous adherence to these standards. You should feel free to discuss this topic with our doctors and team members and receive an honest, straightforward answer.
We follow infection control standards and universal precautions as set forth by several state and federal agencies, including the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
These Health and Safety Measures Include:
- Sterilization of all equipment before use
- Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
- Disinfectant hand soap and hand sanitizer
- Gloves, face masks and eye protection
- Disposable barriers and materials
- Dental Unit Waterline disinfection and maintenance
We sterilize all of our reusable equipment in our state-of-the-art autoclaves. This device uses steam, heat, and pressure to ensure that all bacteria, viruses and other pathogens are completely removed.
We utilize a third-party testing facility to check our autoclaves weekly to verify they are performing to industry standards. There are several fail-safe measures put in place to give us the peace of mind that our patients and team are completely safe.
The best defense against communicable disease is staying up to date with the latest information on prevention. We want our patients and team members to rest assured that they are completely safe in our practice.
Our Use of Nitrous Oxide Sedative Agent
Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax.
Nitrous oxide, sometimes called “laughing gas,” is one option we offer that may help make you more comfortable during certain procedures. It is not intended to put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions the dentist or dental team member may have. Your dentist will ask you to breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed.
Talk to the Walker & Krause Dental Team about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for you.
Advantages to Using Nitrous Oxide During Your Procedure
- The level of sedation can be altered at any point to increase or decrease the effects
- There are no after effects, and patients are OK to resume normal activities almost immediately following its use
- Nitrous oxide is safe with no harmful side effects
- Inhalation sedation can help reduce anxiety, minimize gagging, and lower the discomfort felt during a dental procedure
- It works rapidly, with most patients feeling the effects within 20 seconds of use, and relaxation and pain killing properties setting in within 2-3 minutes.
Reasons to Not Use Nitrous Oxide During Your Procedure
- If you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you should not use nitrous oxide.
- Patients who have a certain type of glaucoma called “angle closure” or “narrow-angle” glaucoma, or who have undergone recent retinal reattachment surgery may suffer complications with nitrous oxide.
- Pregnant women should talk to their physician before using nitrous oxide.
There are no other major contraindications to the use of nitrous oxide, however if you have emphysema, severe chest or breathing problems, M.S., a head cold or other difficulties breathing you may not want to use it.
