FAQ

The main differences are quality and relationship. Dr. Walt and his team value you for you. With his extensive training and experience, you can rest knowing that you’re finding the perfect solution for you from a dentist that loves seeing his neighbors. You will see him every time.

We understand that life brings unpredictable circumstances. In the event that you need to reschedule, we request 48hr notice to find an appointment that works better for you. Missed appointments are subject to a $40 cancellation fee.

Dr. Walt is able to restore a smile no matter how bad it seems. For those who have lost hope for their teeth, Dr. Walt offers solutions to bring hope and confidence to smile. With his surgical training and expertise in implant dentistry, he is able to offer solutions that many general dentists cannot.

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.

If you wake up with headaches most mornings, mention it to your dentist. Solutions such as a nightguard provide treatment for the headaches while at the same time protecting your teeth.

Did you know “teeth cleaning” does more than just clean your teeth? Removing plaque is absolutely essential if you want to preserve your teeth. It builds up on the tooth surfaces and between the teeth. Brushing and flossing are, of course, vital, but everyone needs their teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Remember – only a dental hygienist can completely clean your teeth.

Yes, we do. Dentists and hygienists are your first line of defense in detecting and treating oral cancer. Each year in the US, approximately 30,000 people are newly diagnosed with oral cancer. Worldwide, the problem is far greater, with new cases annually approaching 300,000. In the US alone, a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. If you add the sub category of laryngeal cancers, the rates of occurrence (about 10,000 additional new cases per year) and death are significantly higher. However, the good news is, when found early, oral cancers have an 80 to 90% cure rate.

Sugar and acids are your teeth’s worst enemies. What are we talking about? Soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and candy. Because of the acid content, Mountain Dew seems to be the worst of the worst. Dentists even have a name for the damage it does – they call it “Dew Mouth.” These soften the tooth enamel, making it highly susceptible to decay. Parents, watch your kid’s consumption of these, because young children’s enamel hasn’t developed fully. This makes these drinks even more damaging for kids. As well as eliminating the above (or at least reducing their consumption), use a sugar-free xylitol chewing gum after meals. Also, rinse your mouth with a high-quality dental mouthwash.

Fluoride is good…in small amounts. Excessive fluoride can cause tooth enamel irregularities. Young children, especially, often swallow too much toothpaste while brushing. So parents, supervise your young kids while they brush. Kids (and even adults) often use way too much toothpaste (a pea-size drop is plenty). A little goes a long way.

Tooth enamel is very hard, but that doesn’t mean you can’t break it. Try to avoid eating “hard foods” such as popcorn. Don’t crack nut shells with your teeth or chew on ice. Opening packages with your teeth can also damage the enamel

Do you wake up with discomfort in your jaws or a persistent headache? If so, you may be grinding (called bruxing) while you sleep. Persistent bruxing can damage teeth and cause them to get shorter and shorter. It can also damage your temporomandibular (jaw) joints and even affect your hearing. If you suspect that you are a bruxer, call us today. Dr. Stinson may recommend a night guard or other oral appliance.

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, your jaw joints. The ache, discomfort, or tenderness in or around the jaw joints is called a TMJ disorder.

Signs that you might have a TMJ disorder are:
•  Facial irritation or tenderness
•  Jaw ache
•  Ache in or around the ears
•  Neck strain
•  Jaw stiffness
•  Discomfort while chewing
•  Headaches
•  Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
•  Jaw “locking up”
•  Jaw makes a clicking sound
• Teeth that don’t come together properly when eating or chewing

There are a variety of treatment options for TMJ. Be sure to ask us about these.

We are not a contracted TennCare provider.