Restorative

• Crowns
  Generally, the prosthodontist is both the “engine” and the “caboose” of the train that drives treatment. The prosthodontist will see you first (engine) to establish exactly what type of dental implant treatment is best for you. Then, the prosthodontist will refer you to an oral surgeon or peridontist for surgical placement of the dental implants. Then, after the appropriate amount of healing time, the prosthodontist will restore the dental implants (caboose). Sometimes, dental implant treatment requires that you wear temporary restorations (denture, partial denture or crowns) during the healing time. The prosthodontist will make these temporary prostheses so that you will not have to go without teeth while waiting for the final restorations.
• Bridges

Prosthodontics

• Dentures
  Yes.Medicare does not offer dental benefits. This means there is no coverage for dentures, partial dentures, crowns, bridges or dental implants under the Medicare plans. However, there are some medical conditions such as resection of the jaw due to oral cancer that will require a prosthodontic procedure that is covered by Medicare.

Implants

• Dental Implants
  A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed 4 years of dental school and an additional 3-4 years of advanced training in a Prosthodontic Graduate Program that has been accredited by the American Dental Association. This advanced training includes: restoration of the severely deteriorated dentition, restoration of jaws with severe bone loss, replacement of missing teeth, restoration of dental implants, and treatment of many other dental conditions that result from disease, injury or severe wear. Prosthodontists are the experts in providing optimal oral health in BOTH function and appearance.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral Surgery
• Jaw Surgery
  Dr. Hecker knows first hand the benefits of prosthodontic treatment. She was born with two missing teeth and had orthodontic treatment (twice), orthognathic surgery to correct her bite and then had dental implants placed and restored. "It has profoundly changed my life. I am more outgoing and more confident because I have a great smile. I wanted to provide that same sense of confidence for others."

General

• General Dentistry
  She practiced general dentistry at the US Public Health Clinic in Anchorage, Alaska prior to completing her prosthodontic residency and MS at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. Dr. Hecker was employed by Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse, WI prior to moving to Minneapolis where she was the Director of the Maxillofacial Prosthetic Clinic from 1998 until 2003.