Convenient Access from Benton
Benton residents do not have to go far for thorough, modern dental care. Andover Family Dentistry is about 13 minutes south of Benton City Hall, on N Andover Rd in Andover, which makes it a practical choice for anyone comparing options for a dentist Benton, KS families can reach on country roads. Three doctors, one office and patients of all ages: that is the whole idea.
Begin at Benton City Hall, 154 South Main, and drive south on Main for about half a mile. Turn west on SW 30th St and continue roughly 1.5 miles past Lloyd Stearman Field, then head south on Andover Rd, which carries the SW Butler Rd name on part of the stretch. That road becomes N Andover Rd for the last couple of miles, and once you cross E 13th St, our office at 1145 N Andover Rd #101, Andover, KS 67002 appears on your right. It adds up to about 7.1 miles, and our Google Maps page has the exact location.
Families in Towanda, home of Circle High School, and in Willowbend on the northeast side of Wichita come to us as well. On the drive down from Benton, Andover High School on your left is the last big landmark before the 13th Street intersection.
Small-Town Roots, a Practice That Feels the Same
The City of Benton sits in Butler County, describing itself as about 9 miles northeast of Wichita and 12 miles west of El Dorado. Established in 1909, it remains a small, growing community, and its city council recently reviewed a housing market study to plan for new homes. The official city website covers council meetings at the Benton Community Building and other local news.
Life in a town this size runs on knowing people. Our practice works the same way: Dr. Matthew Howell founded it in 2010, it is still locally owned, and the motto is "Modern Care. Local Relationships." The goal is for every patient to see familiar faces, visit after visit.
Benton kids attend Circle USD 375 schools, starting at Circle Benton Elementary on S Main and moving on to Circle Middle School on SW 20th St. With school, chores and activities stacked up, parents appreciate family-block appointments that cover several children in a single afternoon trip.
Making the Most of Each Trip from Benton
When the dental office is a 7-mile drive rather than a few blocks, it pays to get more done per visit. Our team plans treatment so it is completed in as few appointments as possible. If a checkup turns up a cavity, the doctor will talk with you about whether it can be handled soon, so you are not making extra trips down Andover Rd.
Comfort makes the drive worth it. Our chairs have a massage feature, rooms are private, and blankets, pillows and earplugs are there for anyone who wants them. Nervous patients can ask about nitrous oxide, which wears off quickly enough that you can drive yourself back home afterward, and the coffee bar is open for whoever is waiting.
Regular routine exams and dental cleanings are the surest way to keep visits short. Small problems found early need small fixes, while a tooth left alone for years may need a crown, a root canal or an extraction.
Early mornings help too. Appointments start as early as 7:00 AM on Thursdays and 7:30 AM on Wednesdays, which lets a Benton parent finish a cleaning before heading to work in Wichita or Andover. Monday and Tuesday hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Services for Patients Seeking a Dentist Benton, KS Families Trust
Preventive Care at Every Age
Family & Preventive Dentistry covers exams, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, oral cancer screenings and deep cleanings for gum disease. It is the foundation of care for everyone from schoolchildren to retirees.
Kids Who Like Coming Back
Our dentistry for kids uses gentle, upbeat visits and plain explanations. Kid-friendly dental visits include shows on ceiling-mounted TVs, which helps the cleaning go by faster.
Saving Infected Teeth
An abscess or deep cavity does not have to mean losing the tooth. Root Canal Therapy with rotary endodontics usually wraps up in a single appointment, sparing you a second trip up and down Andover Rd.
Permanent Tooth Replacement
Dr. Howell places and restores Dental Implants in-house, from single teeth to implant-supported dentures and All-On-4 full-arch solutions. Cone beam 3D imaging guides the planning before any placement.
Repairs That Look Natural
Tooth-colored fillings, bridges, dentures and extractions all fall under Restorative Dentistry. Older patients with worn or loose dentures can talk with our doctors about a better fit or an implant-supported option.
Meet Your Dentists
Dr. Matthew Howell grew up in Wichita, studied at Wichita State University and opened this practice in 2010 after earning his DDS. Our doctors now include Dr. Ashley Thomas, who joined in 2022, and Dr. Mary Goedert, a Kansas State graduate and member of the Wichita District Dental Society. All three are general dentists who treat the whole family.
Insurance & Financing
Our staff explains your benefits before treatment and files the insurance claims for you. The practice is in network with many major carriers, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Delta Dental among them, though you should verify your specific plan with our team. Cash, checks, debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and HSA or FSA cards are all accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Andover Family Dentistry from Benton, and how do I get there?
Our office sits about 7.1 miles from Benton City Hall, a drive of roughly 13 minutes. Go south on S Main, west on SW 30th St, then south on Andover Rd until you pass E 13th St. Anyone searching for a dentist Benton, KS residents can reach without a highway will find the trip simple.
Is a toothache with swelling an emergency?
Yes, swelling with a toothache should be treated as an emergency, because it can mean an infection is spreading. Call the office right away; we reserve time for emergencies and make every effort to see you the same day you call. A cold compress can ease the swelling meanwhile, but avoid putting heat on your face.
Should an infected tooth get a root canal or come out?
Usually, keeping your natural tooth is the better long-term choice. A root canal removes the infected pulp and seals the tooth, so you keep your own root and bite. An extraction leaves a gap that may later need an implant or bridge. Our doctors look at the x-rays with you and explain both options before you decide.
Do you file insurance claims for me?
Yes, our office files your dental insurance claims. Before treatment, the team explains what your benefits are expected to cover, and some out-of-pocket cost is usually due at the time of service. Because coverage varies, verify your specific plan with our staff, and ask about no-interest payment plans for up to 6 months.
My child has a small cavity in a baby tooth; is a filling worth it?
Usually, yes. Baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth and help children chew and speak, and some stay in place for years. Untreated decay can spread, cause pain or lead to an infection. A small tooth-colored filling is a quick fix, and nitrous oxide is available if your child feels nervous about it.
Schedule Your Visit from Benton
From City Hall to our chair takes less time than most errands in town. If you want a dentist Benton, KS families can count on, call 316-803-3911 and our team will find a time that fits your schedule. Find other nearby communities on the areas we serve hub, or read about the practice on our Dentist Andover, KS page.