Dr. Ray Becker has extensive post-graduate training in many facets of dentistry and dedicates many hours each year to continuing education in order to expertly address complex dental problems.
Our renovated, state-of-the-art dentist office in Columbia, MD is equipped to meet the needs of complex concerns using digital dentistry and the latest techniques for the best possible patient experience and superior results.
As an internationally recognized educator in both CEREC and Tekscan technologies, Dr. Becker is currently the sole international interpretation and certifying instructor for the Total BioPAK® system. Total BioPAK® includes the Tscan 3® system from TekScan which analyzes the bite far more accurately than with ‘carbon paper’ alone.
Dr. Becker is one of only a few dentists in the area using these advanced technologies for better diagnosis and evaluation of uncomfortable bites, restorations, occlusion, or temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD/TMJ) issues. Dr. Becker offers a range of TMJ treatments to help his patients.
This combination of technology and experience enables Dr. Becker and his staff to provide more accurate diagnoses for patients with sleep occlusal disease, including TMJ. In many cases, when correctly prescribed, conservative treatment can relieve symptoms and restore oral health.
Dr. Becker also treats sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD), including obstructive sleep apnea, with oral appliance therapy.
Advanced Dental Care in Columbia
Occlusal & TMD Disorders: TMJ disorder can cause some people a lot of pain in their jaw joints and the surrounding muscles. It can involve possible issues affecting the jaw joint, muscles in the face, neck, and surrounding nerves. There are many symptoms of TMD including frequent headaches, clenching of the jaw, jaw pain, teeth grinding, jaw popping, and pain around your ears.
Snoring & Sleep Apnea: This is a potentially dangerous sleep disorder that is actually very common. If you repeatedly stop and start breathing while you sleep, you may have sleep apnea. The position of the jaws and related structures influences the development of sleep apnea, making the dentist a key professional in the diagnosis and treatment.
Headaches: Connecting headaches and a TMJ disorder can be difficult for most physicians and dentists. Dr. Becker will need to perform a thorough examination to determine if a TMJ disorder is the cause of your frequent headaches or migraines. A type of tension headache, TMJ headaches are often caused by teeth clenching or teeth grinding.
Gum Disease: Gum disease is a progressive disease that can damage the integrity of the health and function of the smile. Improper oral hygiene is one of the most common factors that cause gun disease. When a person does not brush or floss regularly then bacteria can build up in their mouth. Harmful bacteria in the mouth feed off of tartar and plaque buildup and multiply, spreading throughout the mouth.
Benefit From Advanced Dentistry: Patient Testimonial
“I had a tooth crack and he did a new crown on it for me and he fitted me with an appliance that keeps me from grinding my teeth… It definitely seems to be helping.”
Addressing complex dental health problems is important not only for the restoration of oral health but for a good quality of life long term. Contact our Columbia, MD area dentist office near you for quality and compassionate dental care.