Dr. Steven Walls has cared for El Dorado Hills families since 2001. Crowns are designed and milled in the office while you wait, and implants are planned on a 3D scan taken in the office.
years since Dr. Walls opened his practice in El Dorado Hills.
Professional memberships held by Dr. Walls
Wendy Hagel has worked alongside him for over 25 years. Her superpower, in the practice’s own words, is helping patients feel completely at ease.
Technology
Dr. Walls added a CEREC one-visit crown system in 2003, before anyone else in the area. The same thinking runs through the rest of the office.
The problem: two appointments, two injections, and a temporary that falls off in between.
With CEREC the tooth is scanned, the crown is designed on screen and milled from a ceramic block in the office, then bonded the same day. Only the damaged part is replaced, so more of your own tooth is kept.
The problem: a flat x-ray cannot show the bone an implant has to sit in.
The i-CAT cone beam scanner images the jaw in less than half a minute. Bone density, nerves and the angle of each implant are worked out before treatment starts, and digital radiographs cover everyday checks.
The problem: a long appointment in a chair you would rather not be in.
While a crown is milled you can watch a movie with a warm paraffin hand wax, and there is a fridge of cold drinks by the front desk on your way out.
★★★★★When we moved to El Dorado Hills I searched for a dentist. Dr. Walls' s practice easily beat others I interviewed. He is a very experienced and knowledgeable dentist. His staff are also very knowledgeable, kind and caring. And the customer service is outstanding. We are also impressed with how he has all the latest technology in advanced dental practice. I am so happy to have Dr. Walls looking after the dental health of my entire family these past 4 years. Thank you Dr. Walls and crew.ElizabethPatient testimonial
Meet your dentist
A graduate of Temple University School of Dentistry in Pennsylvania, he completed his residency with the United States Army and served for five years. Then he followed the mountains west, and stayed.
Dr. Walls in the chair, and Wendy running everything around it. They have worked side by side for more than twenty-five years.
When he is not in the office he is on the slopes or a mountain bike. Staying active, the practice says, keeps him from grinding his teeth.
Temple University School of Dentistry
Over 25 years alongside Dr. Walls. Scheduling, billing and team culture run through Wendy, and she also heads up the practice's sleep company, Sound Sleep Solutions.
CFO (Chief Fun Officer)
The front desk, the assistants and the hygienists, as the practice lists them. Jackie leads the Invisalign program, and Christie, an expanded functions assistant, leads sleep treatment.
Dentistry in El Dorado Hills, CA
That is how the practice puts it: prevention and education are the keys, and a thorough exam comes before any treatment plan.
Thorough exams that check the gums as well as the teeth, an oral cancer exam, and x-rays when they are needed. Cleanings, sealants and fluoride do the rest.
Keeping as much of your own tooth as possible. Ceramic crowns, inlays and onlays are designed and milled in the office, most in a single visit.
Whitening, porcelain and bonding, with every option and its cost talked through before anything is done.
Invisalign clear aligners, led in-house by Jackie, and help for jaw pain, including Botox as an alternative treatment for TMJ.
Scanned, designed on screen and milled from a ceramic block in the office, then bonded the same day. Research the practice cites puts most CEREC restorations past ten years.
Most often used to hold a loose denture firmly in place. Placed in one non-invasive visit, designed to avoid bone grafting, and the denture can be fitted the same day.
Clear, removable aligners instead of braces. Jackie, a registered dental assistant the practice calls its scanning queen, leads the program.
Relaxing the jaw muscles can ease grinding headaches, lockjaw and jaw tension, while speaking, swallowing and biting carry on as normal.
Sleep better
Golden Hills formed a sleep company, Sound Sleep Solutions, working out of the same office. It offers custom sleep appliances that the practice describes as comfortable and covered by your health insurance, and it bills your medical insurance for you.
Patient info
Forms online, insurance filed for you, and a first exam that looks at more than your teeth.
Treatment is based on your examination, your medical history and a proper conversation with you, not on your insurance plan. The office submits the charges to your carrier, electronically wherever possible.
Two ways to spread the cost of treatment over time:
Bills can be paid online through the practice’s Pay My Bill page, or with Jennie at the front desk, who also handles insurance and financing.
Golden Hills Family Dental
5.0 on Google · 5.0 from 20+ Yelp reviews
★★★★★We’ve been part of the Golden Hills family for 20 years and would make the referral to Dr. Walls at every opportunity. He’s thorough and honest about treatment options and a perfectionist in his work. The dental hygienists are fantastic and we love the office staff.Valerie FPatient testimonial
★★★★★Dr. Walls has been caring for our family for almost 20 years. He was great with our children as they grew up and expertly utilized Invisalign braces for our son that worked out great. His staff is always friendly and competent and welcoming. Any recommended procedures are discussed taking into consideration alternatives and insurance coverage. Cannot recommend him enough.markPatient testimonial
★★★★★Great with my fear of the dentist. Very professional and fun.AnnaPatient testimonial
★★★★★I was in SO much pain and Dr. Walls took care of the problem with great care and sympathy! He is a fantastic dentist and I am so fortunate to be his patient!BrianaPatient testimonial
★★★★★I give Dr. Walls and his staff 5 stars.. I have always been impressed with the staff, and Dr. Walls is an awesome dentist. He won't try to sell you anything you don't need..CarolynPatient testimonial
Common questions
Usually, yes. With CEREC the prepared tooth is photographed, the crown is designed in 3D on screen and milled from a ceramic block while you wait, then bonded in place. No temporary, no second visit and no second injection. It suits almost anyone needing a ceramic restoration; the exceptions are people with a history of breaking ceramic work, or a deep bite.
Say so when you call. A good share of the testimonials on the practice's own page come from people who arrived anxious. Longer appointments come with a movie and a warm paraffin hand wax, and every step is explained first.
Treatment is based on your examination and medical history, not on your plan. Bring your policy details and the office will submit the charges to your carrier for you, electronically wherever possible. CareCredit and Sunbit financing are also available.
Call 916-939-0889. Should an emergency occur, the practice makes every effort to see and care for you as soon as possible. After hours, Dr. Walls lists an emergency cell: 916-337-9592.
Yes, through Sound Sleep Solutions, the sleep company the practice formed in the same office. It fits custom sleep appliances and bills your medical insurance for you.
At least twice a day, especially before bed, with a soft ADA-approved brush held at 45 degrees to the gums, and floss daily, curving it into a C shape around each tooth. Replace your toothbrush every two to three months.
Suite 500 at 1010 White Rock Road, in the Montano de El Dorado center. The listings note accessible parking near the entrance, an ADA-compliant entrance and restroom, and no steps.
Visit us
The front desk will be in touch to find a time. If you are in pain, please phone instead. Please do not send private health information through this form.