At Howard County Smiles in Columbia, MD, we aim to give each patient the best experience possible. We do this by providing exceptional service and gentle dental care. We are currently accepting new patients to our family-friendly dentist office. Join our growing dental family in Howard County and enjoy our state-of-the-art dentist office. We are equipped to meet all your dental health and cosmetic needs under one roof.
Dr. Ray Becker is nationally recognized for his experience as a restorative dentist treating complex bite problems. If you or a loved one suspect you have a TMJ disorder, let Dr. Becker know. He can help you achieve a healthy, comfortable, and beautiful smile.
What to Expect
A beautiful smile begins with a healthy smile. That’s why we take a proactive approach to preventative dental care. Your first visit will begin with a new patient exam and consultation.
You’ll have a chance to discuss your dental and medical history, as well as your dental concerns and goals. If you need cosmetic or restorative dental treatment, we’ll design a treatment plan that fits your needs and budget.
Our dental examinations typically include the following:
- Periodontal screening for gum disease
- Oral cancer screening
- TMJ and bite analysis using joint vibration analysis or JVA testing
- Digital dental X-rays
- Professional dental cleaning
We may perform a cleaning depending on the results of our exams and screenings. During your cleaning, we will first use a dental mirror to look for signs of dental problems. Then, we will use a stainless steel tool to remove bacterial buildup from the teeth and gums. We wil scrape off any plaque and tartar buildup in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.
After cleaning your teeth, our hygienist will polish them to make them shiny and smooth. They will also floss between your teeth to remove any leftover debris. This helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
However, if we find signs of gum disease, we will not perform a cleaning. Instead, we will discuss the next steps of your treatment. You may need a more extensive cleaning at your next visit to properly address your gum disease symptoms. Scaling and root planing are deep gum cleanings we can provide on a regular schedule if you have reoccurring gum problems.
What To Expect: New TMD Patients
If you have a TMJ disorder and are a new patient to our practice, your first dental visit will be slightly different than a typical first visit. You will be in our office for 90 minutes to 2 hours for a specialized TMD consultation. During this consultation, we will take an extensive history and perform diagnostic tests.
First, we will perform a Joint Vibration Analysis. This will measure movement in the jaw and identify vibrations that can occur in the TMJ. A TekScan can also measure the bite, showing where and how your teeth come together. Using software and technology, we can determine the best treatment method for your TMD.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow us time to obtain additional details.
New Dental Patient FAQs
Learn more about your first visit to our Columbia, MD dentist’s office with answers to these common patient questions:
What should I bring to my first dental appointment?
Please bring your insurance card, updated medication list, and photo ID. Also, let us know if you have any allergies. Finally, ensure that you complete your electronic patient forms before your appointment.
Does Howard County Smiles accept dental insurance?
Howard County Smiles accepts assignments of benefits from most dental insurance companies. Currently, we are in-network with select plans. We will always assist you in any way we can to maximize your insurance benefits for you and your family.
I do not have dental insurance; what are my payment options?
We offer many payment options, including cash, checks, and all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. For our patients without dental insurance, we offer a 5% discount for amounts over $500.00 that are made in full when paid by cash or check.
We also offer our own Dental Savings Membership. See the brochure for details or ask any of our staff. Click HERE to download our savings membership brochure!
How long will my first appointment last?
Please allow up to 90 minutes for your first appointment. We want to be as thorough as possible to match our high standard of care. Our office takes a comprehensive approach to dental care to ensure that we meet the needs of our patients.
Will you take X-rays during my first dentist visit?
Yes, we will often take X-rays during your first visit to establish a basis for your oral health. Although we will request X-rays from your previous dental office, these new X-rays will help us catch developing problems. Digital X-rays help us see what we cannot see with a visual exam. If we find a dental problem from these X-rays, we can create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Do you see children?
Yes. Dr. Becker is a family dentist, and we welcome children to our Columbia, MD dentist office. We work as a team to help children feel comfortable and relaxed during their dental appointments. The American Dental Association recommends that children see a dentist by the time their first tooth erupts.
Bringing children to the dentist at a young age helps them feel more comfortable and relaxed. Early dental visits help reduce dental anxiety in children.
It also allows us to teach your children how to properly care for their teeth and develop life-long oral hygiene habits. We generally begin to provide routine care for children (every six months) at age 3.
Schedule Your First Dental Visit Today
Are you looking for a new dentist? Call Howard County Smiles for care at (410) 415-9013. You can also schedule an appointment online. Our dental office proudly serves patients in Columbia and Ellicott City, MD.
If you have questions about your treatment options or have current dental concerns, please let us know. We’ll be happy to help you.