DENTIST NEAR IMPERIAL, MO
Quality Dentistry Tailored to You
Why Patients in Imperial Love Us
Say Hello to Our Incredible Husband-and-Wife Team Near Imperial
Dr. Laura Mears
After completing her undergraduate degree at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Dr. Laura Mears attended the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. Two milestone events happened there: she earned her dental doctorate and met her future husband, our very own Dr. Jonathan! Although that was more than a decade ago now, her commitment to continuing education hasn’t waned. In fact, she’s undergone advanced training on a wide range of topics, including dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, and oral surgery. As a result, patients in and around Imperial can turn to her for all of their dental needs and smile goals!
Life outside the office largely revolves around family for Dr. Laura Mears, including her husband, their two children, and their dog, Max. She also enjoys running, reading, hiking, and going to Kentucky Lake. Here’s a fun fact about her: she plays the flute!
Dr. Jonathan Mears
For the last nearly 10 years, Dr. Jonathan Mears has been serving his friends and neighbors at JL Dental. However, his entire career in dentistry spans even longer! His studies began at Murray State University. After majoring in both biology and chemistry, he studied dentistry at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, which is where he earned his doctorate and met his lovely wife, Dr. Laura Mears. With the same passion for staying abreast of the latest techniques and technology, he’s completed additional training on endodontics, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and several other specialties.
When Dr. Jonathan Mears isn’t at the office providing exceptional dental care, his favorite thing to do is spend time with his family. As for hobbies, he likes being outdoors, especially when it involves boating on Kentucky Lake!
Hear from Other Imperial Patients
This husband-wife team is the best! They get to know their patients and genuinely care for them. On two different occasions my sons had dental emergencies and they came in on their time off to take care of them. Truly the best. 5 stars only because I can't give them more!
Why Are You Looking for a Dentist Near Imperial?
At JL Dental, we want to make sure patients can get the effective, comfortable, and personalized care they need to achieve a smile they can be proud of. Whether you want to enhance your pearly whites, fix damage to your teeth, or simply need to schedule your next visit, your dentist near Imperial can provide the custom treatment you deserve. Click on the images below to learn more about each of our services so you know what to expect.
How We Make Dentistry Affordable
For some patients, the only thing stopping them from scheduling an appointment is a fear that the care they need will be too expensive. That’s why our dental team near Imperial offers not one, not two, but three financial solutions. Clicking on the icons below will give you a little more information on each, but don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment!
Finding Our Dental Office Near Imperial
Whether it’s time for your six-month checkup or you want to enhance your smile with cosmetic dentistry near Imperial, our team is ready to help you! You can address your oral health needs in one convenient location. Our practice is at 1904 Richardson Rd, which is only about a 7-minute drive away. We’re near Goodwill, Save A Lot, and Wesley Roger’s Steak and Buffet. Should you have any trouble locating us, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance!
FAQs
How much does a dental checkup and cleaning cost near Imperial?
Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every six months for a routine visit? This allows your provider to monitor your condition to identify and treat areas of concern, like thinning enamel or swollen gums, before they progress. Despite this, only an estimated 65% of American adults had an appointment within the past year.
If you’re avoiding standard care because you’re unsure what it costs, we’ve got your back! It can vary based on your unique circumstances, but you can typically expect to spend anywhere from $75 to $200. You might pay more if you require images or treatments like fillings or root canals. However, dental insurance can potentially minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
What level of education is required to be a dentist?
All dentists in the United States must meet certain criteria to be licensed to practice on patients. First, they must graduate with a bachelor’s degree before earning one of two doctorates, either a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from one of more than 70 programs accredited by the American Dental Association. From there, they can pursue in-depth training in one of the 12 specialties recognized by the ADA.
At our office near Imperial, Drs. Laura and Jonathan Mears met at and graduated together from the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. They are also both committed to continuing education and have advanced training in topics like cosmetics, dental implants, orthodontics, and endodontics.
How can I find a skilled cosmetic dentist?
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t an a specialty that the ADA recognizes, so any dentist can claim to be an expert. That means you may have to do some homework to find the right provider to help you achieve your smile goals.
For instance, you can visit your provider’s “About Me” section on their website, if they have one, to see if they list special training programs, certificates, or participation in professional organizations for cosmetic dentistry. If it’s not posted online, you can call the office or inquire in person to learn more about their education and experience.
Fortunately, our dentists near Imperial have each completed additional training on cosmetic procedures. Whether you want a brighter smile or to mend or mask chips and cracks, they have the expertise to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence.
What’s the best way to find a dentist who provides dental implants?
Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique placement in your jawbone. However, they’re also the only restorations involving oral surgery; that means not all dentists are qualified to perform this procedure.
In many cases, it’s best to seek a specialist who’s an expert in rebuilding mouths. For instance, periodontists, oral surgeons, and prosthodontists typically have undergone advanced implant training. Some general dentists can also provide this service if they have the right education, experience, and advanced equipment in the office.
Drs. Laura and Jonathen Mears at our office near Imperial have completed continuing education programs to place and restore dental implants, so there’s no need to seek an outside provider for your surgery.