Frequently Asked Questions

How does the doctor keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?
Dr. Walker is committed to continuing education for himself and his staff to ensure that the entire office is well-informed of recent developments in the dental industry, which includes technological improvements. Dr. Walker travels to many locations throughout the United States to attend the most respected continuing education seminars.

Do you accept referrals?
We gladly accept referrals. It is the highest compliment a patient can share with us.  We ALWAYS appreciate having your family and friends sent to us with your recommendation. 

Do you accept my insurance plan?
We are in-network providers with most major insurance companies.  Please call our office for detailed information on insurance plans we accept. 

What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
Emergencies often do not coincide with regular office hours. Our office provides a 24-hour answering service to ensure that we are available to you at any time a dental emergency occurs. You can find our after hours number here.

I have a temporary crown in my mouth. What happens if it comes off or breaks?
We are available to help you if a temporary crown does come off or breaks. Our incredible CEREC system allows us to perform the entire crown procedure in one visit, eliminating the need for a temporary crown and second visit.

What payment options do you provide?
Our mission is to deliver the finest dental care available today. Our goal is to help you make this investment as affordable as possible.

Payment for today's visit and your future visits are due at the time of treatment. We realize some patients will not be able to pay cash for their treatment; therefore, we offer several alternative payment programs for your convenience. Click here and see our payment options link.

How can I ask Dr. Walker a question directly?
Sometimes only the doctor can sufficiently answer your questions or concerns. Dr. Walker welcomes the opportunity to talk to you. To speak to him, please call the office and ask for him. If he is unavailable at the time of your call, he will return it as soon as possible. You can also ask Dr. Walker a question by sending him an email.

How can I safely whiten my teeth?
Whitening your teeth can have a dramatic effect on your smile. We offer a variety of options to whiten your teeth, including a combination of our in-office procedure and at-home trays for you to take with you. We believe this is the most effective method to safely whiten your teeth, allowing you to maintain your newly whitened teeth without extra expense.

What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
Our staff is committed to your safety throughout your visit with us. We only use new or disposable materials that come into direct contact with you. In addition, our office staff regularly attends continuing education classes on sterilization techniques in dentistry.

Why should I choose your dental practice?
At Mark Walker Family Dentistry we are committed to providing dental care that we would want for ourselves and our families.  Every member of our team is devoted to keeping the core values of this practice:  Integrity, Compassion, Professionalism, and Respect.

We believe in educating our clients on the value of addressing their dental health so they are able to make the best decisions and continue to live a quality life.

It is our goal to provide a comfortable, friendly, and professional environment during every visit.

We use the latest proven technology so that our clients receive the highest quality dental care available.

My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
Click here to see our article about maintaining a healthy mouth

Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays and partials…where can I learn more about these procedures?
We hope that you will find the information you want on the services page of our website. You can also call and set up a free consultation so that we may discuss these procedures with you in our office.

I brush everyday, but my breath just is not fresh. Is there anything I can do?
Halitosis, or bad breath, can be reduced and eliminated through careful and regular dental care at home and in our office. If you have not recently had a checkup, we would advise you to come in for a routine exam so that we can determine the cause of the problem. This may include untreated periodontal disease. Once we discover the cause of your breath concerns, we can offer options to treat your needs, including products for fresher breath.

I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
We offer a variety of restorative services that would improve the appearance of your front teeth without braces. To best determine the best option for you, we recommend a consultation with Dr. Walker.

What is Smile Analysis?
The first step before any cosmetic procedure is to analyze your smile. We will measure the dimensions of your teeth, your facial structure, your gum line, evaluate photographs and several other factors. We will use this information to design a new smile which achieves the look you want.

Can I really have a crown done in one visit?
Yes, our CEREC system is a revolutionary way to perform crown work. With just one visit, you can have long-lasting results and eliminate the need for temporary crowns, a second visit, another day of missed work and anesthetic.

Dental Definitions

Abfractions
Defects at the gum line of teeth caused by the loss of tooth structure due to the pressure created by clenching and bruxism.

Abrasion
Tooth wear caused by forces other than chewing such as holding objects between the teeth or improper brushing.

Abutment
A tooth (or implant) that supports a dental prosthesis such as a bridge or denture.

Abutment Crown
Artificial crown serving for the retention or support of a dental prosthesis.

Amalgam
An alloy containing mercury used in direct dental restorations.

Local Anesthesia
The loss of pain sensation over a specific area of the anatomy without loss of consciousness.

Bitewing radiographs
X-rays used to reveal the crowns of several upper and lower teeth as they bite down.

Bleaching (Teeth Whitening)
A cosmetic dental procedure that whitens the teeth using a bleaching solution containing some form of hydrogen peroxide.

Bonding
A composite resin applied to a tooth to change its shape and/or color. Bonding also refers to how a filling, orthodontic appliance or some fixed partial dentures are attached to teeth.

Bruxism
Constant grinding or clenching of teeth during the day or more commonly while asleep which can create significant wear to teeth.

Build Up
The addition of material to broken down teeth where inadequate structure remains to support a restoration.  In most cases composite is added via adhesive or mechanical retention.

Calculus
Hard deposit of mineralized plaque adhering to crowns and/or roots of teeth removed during dental cleanings.

Cavity
Decay in tooth caused by caries; also referred to as carious lesion caused by bacteria.

Clenching
The clamping and pressing of the jaws and teeth together in centric occlusion, frequently associated with psychological stress, physical effort, or a bad bite.

Composite
A dental restorative tooth-colored material made up of disparate or separate parts (e.g. resin and quartz particles).

Cosmetic Dentistry
Practice of dentistry dedicated to the creation and enhancement of optimal smiles.  Employs non-metal restorations and adhesive bonding systems to produce esthetic results not possible with traditional dentistry.

Crown
Restoration covering or replacing the major part, or the whole of the clinical crown of a tooth.

Crown Lengthening
A surgical procedure exposing more tooth for restorative purposes by apically positioning the gingival margin and/or removing supporting bone.

Cusp
The pointed portion of the tooth.

Decay
The lay term for carious lesions in a tooth; decomposition of tooth structure.

Dental Prophylaxis
Scaling and polishing procedure performed to remove coronal plaque, calculus, and stains.

Dental Prosthesis
An artificial device that replaces one or more missing teeth.

Dental Specialist
A dentist who has received postgraduate training in one of the recognized dental specialties.

DDS - Doctor of Dental Surgery

DMD - Doctor of Medical Dentistry

Dentin
That part of the tooth that is beneath enamel and cementum.

Denture
An artificial substitute for natural teeth and adjacent tissues.

Digital X-rays
Latest technology to produce high quality radiographs with 60-90% less radiation than traditional methods.  Displayed on a computer screen instantly, digital allows immediate viewing by patients and dental staff.

Direct Restoration
A restoration fabricated inside the mouth.

Enamel
Hard calcified tissue covering dentin of the crown of tooth.

Endodontist
A dental specialist who limits his/her practice to treating disease and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions, i.e. root canals.

Erosion
Wearing down of tooth structure, caused by chemicals (acids) and is common in eating disorders.

Extraction
The process or act of removing a tooth or tooth parts.

Filling
A lay term used for the restoring of lost tooth structure by using materials such as metal, alloy, plastic or porcelain.

Fixed Partial Denture (Bridge)
A fixed partial denture is a prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth cemented or attached to the abutment teeth or implant abutments adjacent to the space.

Fracture
The breaking of a part, especially of a bony structure; breaking of a tooth.

Full-Mouth X-Rays
A combination of 14 or more periapical and 4 bitewing films of the back teeth. This series of x-rays reveals all the teeth (their crowns and roots) and the alveolar bone around them.

Gingiva
Soft tissues overlying the crowns of unerupted teeth and encircling the necks of those that have erupted.

Gingivitis
Inflammation of gingival tissue without loss of connective tissue.

Gingivectomy
The excision or removal of gingiva.

Gingivoplasty
Surgical procedure to reshape gingiva.

Graft
A piece of tissue or alloplastic material placed in contact with tissue to repair a defect or supplement a deficiency in gum or bone tissue.

Gum Lift
The removal of gingival tissue with a diode laser.  An important adjunct to cosmetic dentistry used to even the smile line, lengthen short teeth and reduce a gummy smile.

Immediate Denture
Removable prosthesis constructed for placement immediately after removal of remaining natural teeth.

Dental Implant
A device specially designed to be placed surgically within or on the mandibular or maxillary bone as a means of providing for dental replacement; endosteal (endosseous); eposteal (subperiosteal); transosteal (transosseous).

Inlay
An indirect intracoronal restoration; a dental restoration made outside of the oral cavity to correspond to the form of the prepared cavity, which is then luted into the tooth.

Laser Gum Treatment
Use of a diode laser to remove infected granulation tissue from a periodontal pocket.  Additional settings sterilize the pocket to promote healing not possible with traditional scaling.

Lumineers
Feldspathic veneers made by the Den-Mart Corporation.  Direct marketed to patients promising a no prep technique.  Limited in scope of use as many cosmetic cases require preparation for the best result.

Malocclusion
Improper alignment of biting or chewing surfaces of upper and lower teeth.

Maryland Bridge
A type of fixed partial denture not requiring crowns. The prosthesis is bonded to the natural teeth to secure it.

Mouthguard
Device that fits over the teeth to prevent injury to the teeth, mouth or lips. May also refer to a device that prevents tooth grinding or treats temporomandibular disorders (nightguard).

Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A disorder in which breathing stops for short periods of time during sleep.  Can be treated by a variety of oral appliances.

Occlusion
Any contact between biting or chewing surfaces of maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth.

Onlay
An indirect restoration made outside the oral cavity that overlays a cusp or cusps of the tooth, which is then luted to the tooth.  May be made of metal, porcelain, or composite.

Overdenture
A removable prosthetic device that overlies and may be supported by retained tooth roots or implants.  Preferable to the traditional due to increased retention and stability of bone long term for denture support.

Periodontal
Pertaining to the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth.

Periodontal Disease
Inflammatory process of the gingival tissues and/or periodontal membrane of the teeth, resulting in an abnormally deep gingival sulcus, possibly producing periodontal pockets and loss of supporting alveolar bone.

Periodontal Pocket
Pathologically deepened gingival sulcus; a feature of periodontal disease.

Periodontitis
Inflammation and loss of the connective tissue of the supporting or surrounding structure of teeth with loss of attachment.

Plaque
A soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth composed largely of bacteria and bacterial derivatives.

Post
An elongated projection fitted and cemented within the prepared root canal, serving to strengthen and retain restorative material and/or a crown restoration.

Precision Attachment
Interlocking device, one component of which is fixed to an abutment or abutments and the other is integrated into a fixed or removable prosthesis in order to stabilize and/or retain it.

Premedication
The use of medications prior to dental procedures, such as antibiotics for various medical conditions.

Prophylaxis
Scaling and polishing procedure performed to remove coronal plaque, calculus and stains.

Pulp
Connective tissue that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue which occupies the pulp cavity of a tooth.

Radiograph
An image produced by projecting radiation, as x-rays, on photographic film. Commonly called x-ray.

Removable Partial Denture
A removable partial denture (removable bridge) is a prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth that can be removed by the patient.  Held in place by clasps or attachments to existing teeth.

Root Canal
The portion of the pulp cavity inside the root of a tooth; the chamber within the root of the tooth that contains the pulp.  Portion of the tooth treated by endodontic therapy.

Root Canal Therapy
The treatment of disease and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions.

Root Plane
A procedure designed to remove microbial flora, bacterial toxins, calculus, and diseased cementum or dentin on the root surfaces and in the pocket.  Therapy beyond a normal dental prophyloxis.  Can be accompanied by laser therapy.

Scaleing
Removal of plaque, calculus, and stain from teeth.

Sealants
Plastic resin placed on the biting surfaces of molars to prevent bacteria from attacking the enamel and causing caries.

Splint
A device used to support, protect, or immobilize oral structures that have been loosened, replanted, fractured or traumatized. Also refers to devices used in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.

Temporomandibular (TMJ)
The connecting hinge mechanism between the base of the skull (temporal bone) and the lower jaw (mandible).

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Abnormal functioning of temporomandibular joint; also refers to symptoms arising in other areas secondary to the dysfunction, especially muscle symptons.

Veneer
In the construction of crowns or pontics, a layer of tooth-colored material, usually, but not limited to, composite, porcelain, ceramic or acrylic resin, attached to the surface by direct fusion, cementation, or mechanical retention; more commonly refers to a porcelain restoration that is luted to the facial surface of a tooth to change its appearance in cosmetic procedures.

Patient Education

Fixed Bridges
If you've lost teeth due to accident, injury, or gum disease, we can create a permanent 'bridge' appliance to replace the missing teeth. It should look and feel natural, without hooks or clasps, and stay in permanently, allowing totally normal function. When teeth are missing the remaining teeth begin to change position, and this can lead to numerous problems, including loss of more teeth. A fixed bridge will prevent teeth from shifting, and stabilize your bite. To have a bridge made, call the dental office so the doctor can evaluate the area and discuss specifics with you.

Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a dangerous, yet somewhat preventable, type of cancer. It kills more people nationwide than either cervical or skin (melanoma) cancer, and only half of all patients diagnosed will survive more than five years. The most common risk factors for oral cancer are tobacco use, frequent high quantity alcohol consumption, constant sunlight exposure, habitual cheek or lip biting, or poorly fitting dentures. Although 80-90% of oral cancers are found in people who use tobacco and/or drink alcohol excessively, 25% of oral cancers occur in people who have no risk factors at all. Your dentist could very well be your #1 soldier in the fight against oral cancer. Statistics show in about 10% of patients, dentists notice a problem area first. During a regular dental checkup, your dentist will examine your entire mouth, searching for a flat, painless, white or red spot or small sore.

Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can often provide people who have chipped, stained, discolored, unevenly spaced, or even slightly crooked front teeth with a completely new-looking smile in just a few simple appointments.
learn more about veneers...

Teeth Whitening
Anyone can have the confidence that a bright, white smile can give you these days. Tooth whitening is safe, effective and long lasting. There are two main methods to get excellent results. One provides a custom Home Teeth Whitening Kit, or teeth can be whitened in our office. Each has different advantages, and each address different situations. Simply talk with Dr. Walker about concerns and what you want to achieve.

CEREC
CEREC has revolutionized the way our practice can deliver treatment to patients like you. This high-tech equipment allows us to restore damaged teeth in a single visit. The result is a beautiful, natural-colored restoration that is much stronger than before.
learn more about CEREC under Crowns...

Keeping Wisdom Teeth Not so Wise
Young adults who keep their wisdom teeth often quickly develop gum disease, which appears to increase the risk of pregnancy complications and possibly other health problems, according to the first large studies to carefully evaluate the risks posed by wisdom teeth. Data from 254 patients in their 20s who opted to keep all four wisdom teeth and underwent detailed follow-up examinations found that a surprisingly 60 percent already had signs of early gum disease around those teeth when the study began, and about 25 percent experienced a worsening over the next two years.

Wisdom teeth are particularly vulnerable to bacteria because they are difficult to reach and keep clean. Once the bacteria get established in the mouth, the risk they will spread and damage other teeth increases significantly.

Maintaining A Healthy Mouth
Maintaining a healthy mouth is no longer just about brushing your teeth. In the last 10 years dentistry has been revolutionized. The materials now are so much more advanced.
read more here...

One Third of the Population Snores
It is estimated that more than 80 million people in America snore while sleeping. Snoring research has also shown that custom fabricated dental devices worn at night that move the lower jaw into a forward position, increase the three dimensional space in the air way tube which reduces air velocity and soft tissue vibration. By increasing the capacity of the airway and prevention of soft tissue vibrations, snoring is eliminated. In clinical research studies, dentist prescribed oral devices have exhibited initial snoring prevention success rates of between 70 to 100%.

Breakthrough Treatment for Gum Disease
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults. Millions of people are unaware that they have gum disease, and about 30% of the population are genetically susceptible to contracting the condition. Other risk factors include smoking, pregnancy, puberty, stress, grinding teeth, poor nutrition, diabetes, and poor oral hygiene. When gum disease sets in, it destroys soft tissue, breaks the strong bond between teeth and supporting gums, and can cause jawbone deterioration, as well as tooth loss.

Laser gum treatment or Laser Attachment Procedure
This is a new innovative procedure for periodontal (gum) disease.

Links for Patients

American Dental Association: Patients and Consumers Guide - Information about many different dental procedures, information for parents, online list of dentists and advice about dental insurance.

Colgate-Palmolive: Kid's World - Games to teach kids how to care for their teeth.

About Cosmetic Dentistry - Learn about procedures, view photos and find out how you can beautify your smile with cosmetic dentistry.

The Wisdom Tooth - Offers dental hygiene tips for adults, parents and children.

The Tooth Fairy - Dental hygiene tips, dental hygiene links and the going price of a baby tooth.

Teeth Grinding Resource - This is a resource for teeth grinding and bruxism with helpful information and links.

Academy of CAD/MED Dentistry - Formerly the Academy of Computerized Dentistry of North American (ACDNA.) The academy furthers the understanding and use of computerized technology and machinable restorative materials.

American Dental Association - The umbrella organization for dentists in America.

CEREC - Web site for CEREC, a manufacturer of all-ceramic crowns.

BreathRx - BreathRx is the only antibacterial mouth rinse that’s 100% alcohol-free. It’s safe for every patient and long term use for fresh breath.

Health - SightQuest - Health directory with top resources and information on todays modern topics.

The Oral Cancer Foundation - Oral cancer information and resources for both the public, health care professionals and care givers.

MedNets: A medical search engine - Free medical specialties web based search engines searching only medical databases and free consumer health and disease information sources on the Web.

Healthcyclopedia - The Complete Guide to Health Care Resources on the Internet.

Animated-Teeth.com - Information about electric toothbrushes, dental insurance, dental plans, bad breath, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, cold sores, canker sores, root canal treatment, wisdom teeth, and porcelain veneers.

TMJ Informational Website - Dental Answers offers valuable information about TMJ (Temporo Mandibular Joint Disorders), it's symtoms, cause and remedies. Educational material on latest dental procedures, plus much more.

Restorative Dentistry Oncology Clinic - The RDOC Mouth Cancer web site is a not-for-profit web site that aims to help patients and dentists find free information on mouth, oral, throat and other head & neck cancers easily.

Periodontal Disease - First ever all natural, 100% pure, herbal toothpaste mouthwash and breath freshener. Highly effective against periodontal disease, gingivitis, bleeding gums and bad breath.

The National Library of Medicine - MedlinePlus brings together, by health topic, authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), other government, non-profit and other health-related organizations.

Conditions and Diseases- Conditions and Diseases, Disorders, Allergies, Cancer, Ear, Nose And Throat Disorders, Genetic Disorders.

News Directory - organized by subject, including Dentistry.

Ultradent - A global dental products manufacturer.

Silent Nite by Glidewell Lab- The Silent Nite is an affordable custom-made snore prevention device that is flexible, thin and comfortable for the patient.

American Association of Orthodontics - Orthodontic treatment can improve your dental health and change your facial appearance for the better, and it can boost your self-esteem.

International Congress of Oral Implantologists - As the global leader in implant education, the ICOI is an association of general dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists, prosthodontists, endodontists, orthodontists, laboratory technicians, auxiliaries, industry representatives, researchers, faculty members, pre and post doctoral graduate dental students as well as the general public.

Nobelbiocare.com - Nobel Biocare is the world leader in innovative esthetic dental solutions and a one-stop-shop for restorative esthetic dentistry.

MayoClinic.com Teeth Grinding - Information and articles on teeth grinding from MayoClinic.com

American Heart Association

Mouth Power - A site for interactive online education for children

The World's Fastest Growing Free VERTICAL Web Directory!- Vorts is a human-edited directory of topic-specific websites and vortals. Vorts.com accepts free website submissions and boasts the fastest website listing approvals.