How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?
Dr. Becker-Walker recommends that patients with good oral health schedule a checkup and hygiene visit twice each year. If you need more frequent visits, we'll let you know. Checkups are important because, even if you don't notice any pain or problems with your teeth, we may find signs of potential problems. For instance, demineralization is a precursor to decay, oral cancer often goes undetected until the later stages, and gum disease can be very stealthy. At your hygiene appointment, we'll clean plaque, tartar, and hardened food particles from your teeth. We'll also make sure your gums are healthy and strong.
Why is oral cancer so serious?
Oral cancer kills more people nationwide than either cervical or skin (melanoma) cancer, and only half of patients diagnosed will survive more than five years. The painless, sneaky disease often goes undetected until it spreads to the neck and lymph nodes, at which time treatment becomes less effective. Dr. Becker-Walker will perform an oral cancer screening during your exam. If oral cancer is detected in the early stage, patients are more likely to survive.
What are one-visit crowns?
With innovative technology, Dr. Becker-Walker can create custom crowns, inlays, and onlays in about an hour. This means that in just one visit, you can get a custom-made, all-white, reliable restoration. No temporary. No follow-up visit. It's that simple.
What is an implant and how long do they last?
Dental implants are a safe alternative to bridges, partials, or full dentures. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth because of a titanium anchor attached to the jawbone. Once the implants are secured, Dr. Becker-Walker will attach a handcrafted, permanent crown to each post. The restorations will match your natural teeth and blend seamlessly with your smile. The life of the implant depends on your age, oral status, and personal hygiene. With proper maintenance, they last most people a lifetime.
I avoid dental visits because of anxiety…is this normal? Can you help?
Many people fear dental visits because of negative past experiences or control issues. We understand dental anxiety and offer a solution to help you overcome your stress. With sedation dentistry, Dr. Becker-Walker can help you gain full peace of mind and body so that you can receive the dental work you need – and deserve.
I have chronic headaches. Can you help?
Chronic headaches may be a symptom of a misaligned bite, bruxism (grinding), or TMJ disorder. Dr. Becker-Walker will carefully examine your occlusion (bite), jaw, head, and neck to determine the underlying causes of your pain. Oftentimes, we can correct the problem with a custom nightguard or NTI-tss. Call our office if you have more questions about headache relief with non-surgical therapies.
How can I improve my smile?
That sounds like an easy question to answer, but it isn't! Your smile is unique, and we won't compromise your individuality with smile enhancements. Smile design dentistry done right requires an initial consultation in which we will discuss your goals, preferences, and options for care. Generally speaking, we may suggest porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, all-white restorations, and/or replacement teeth. Orthodontics like Six-Month smiles may also be involved. After your comprehensive evaluation and consultation, we'll present a smile makeover plan for your new smile. We offer digital imaging for smile previews, as well.
Will you see my kids and my grandparents?
Yes! We love families and see many of them. Our services are diverse, so we offer dental implants for our older patients, as well as sealants for our youngest patients. Call our dental office in Imperial, MO to schedule comprehensive initial exams for everyone in your family – because their smiles are invaluable family assets!
Do you accept referrals?
Yes, and thank you for your confidence. We appreciate your referrals and promise to extend the same comprehensive, caring service to your friends and coworkers that we give you every time you visit. As an incentive, we offer a $25 credit for each patient you refer to our office. Call for details.
Experience personalized dentistry and exceptional care. Call our Imperial, MO dental office to make an appointment with Dr. Becker-Walker. Located in Imperial, Precision Dental Care is convenient for residents of Arnold, Barnhart, Fenton, Crystal City, and Festus.