Frequently Asked Questions

Radiographs help us to detect various potential problems early in their development, when they are difficult to see with the naked eye. Tooth decay, infection, bone loss, and other pathologies can be halted and reversed (or the damage minimized) if we catch them early enough.

At Johnson Dental, we offer digital radiographs. Digital radiographs use less radiation and are safer for you than traditional film X-rays. In our dental office, you will find that we research the latest trends in technology to find the optimal solutions that promote your overall health, safety, and comfort.

Helping to make your dental care financially comfortable and affordable is important, and we proudly offer a variety of options:

• Cash or check
• VISA / MasterCard / American Express / Discover
• CareCredit® interest-free and extended payment plans

Additionally, we are happy to estimate fees and insurance reimbursement before starting your desired care, and we will gladly file insurance forms for you.

Optimal, comprehensive dentistry is what we practice. We do not limit the possible treatment solutions to how your insurance assists with your balance. Our recommendations are based on what is best for you. Any treatment you choose to receive that is not covered by your insurance is your financial responsibility.

Many people are uncomfortable with visiting the dentist. Your comfort is our highest priority, and our office is designed so that you can have a relaxing dental visit. For entertainment and distraction, enjoy DVD movies, noise-canceling headphones with music, and massage chairs before and after your appointment. Nitrous oxide is also offered to keep you comfortable and relaxed.

Research shows that fluoride reduces cavities in both children and adults by halting tooth decay. It also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before the decay becomes visible. Interestingly, many people continue to be misinformed about fluoride and fluoridation. Fluoride is a safe chemical component when used correctly. We utilize a fluoride varnish for two specific reasons: 1) it stays on your teeth for up to seven days after application; and, 2) it hardens almost immediately to your tooth, which prevents you from swallowing it. Also, if your decay risk is high, we may prescribe prescription fluoride toothpaste. Our fluoride treatment products carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

By replacing missing teeth either with a bridge or implant, you will alleviate the problems associated with missing a tooth and will give your smile back its beautiful, full appearance. A bridge is one solution for replacing a tooth. By using neighboring teeth as the supportive structure, your dentist at Johnson Dental places a porcelain restoration into the vacant space, restoring the functionality and look of your smile. A dental implant is also an excellent solution. Dental implants involve the placement of a titanium post directly into the jawbone. Once the post has integrated with the bone, it can act as a new, solid support for a natural looking, porcelain restoration. Implants can replace a single tooth, or an entire set of teeth, offering more function and permanence than traditional dentures. Johnson Dental offers placement of both implant abutments and porcelain crowns that attach to the abutments.

You are not alone. Most people want to have a nice smile since it is the first thing others notice about you. You may be interested in a few minor adjustments, or you may have concerns that need more attention. At Johnson Dental, we can offer you porcelain veneers, Zoom! in-office whitening, at-home whitening, enamel recontouring, bonding, and porcelain crowns and bridges. Drs. Aaron and Kristi Johnson will suggest a treatment plan for you based on your goals, on any areas of concern, and on the overall condition of your oral health. Contact us for a smile evaluation to determine what course of action will produce the best solution for you.

A crown is a dental restoration that fits over your natural tooth to restore its shape, size, and function. If your doctor has recommended a crown to you, it is likely either to correct a broken tooth or to heal a tooth that has deteriorated due to cavities (decay) and cannot be repaired with a filling. Sometimes, decay is removed leaving some healthy tooth structure, but not enough to hold a filling. A crown can then be placed, restoring the look and function of your tooth, while allowing you to keep your natural, underlying tooth structure. Most crowns are precision-milled porcelain or full metal (gold or silver) and are individually customized for each application in each patient, giving you a natural, long-lasting smile.

Just because a broken tooth is not hurting, it doesn’t mean you should ignore it. A broken tooth could progress, or may have other cracks present that, if left untreated, could progress and cause future problems. If you don’t treat a broken tooth, you may need a root canal, extraction, or other advanced treatment that might have been avoided. For a broken tooth, just like other dental or health conditions, early treatment yields more predictable and favorable results.

85% of adults have some form of periodontal disease, and many don’t even know they have it. Periodontal disease is often referred to as the “silent disease” because it has no symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage of development.

Gums affected by periodontal disease become red and inflamed, often times bleeding during brushing or flossing. If treated in a timely manner, these conditions can be reversed, preventing periodontal disease from developing. Advanced periodontal disease, known as periodontitis, is much more difficult to treat.

Periodontitis affects your gums, bone, and teeth in a manner that cannot be reversed. If left untreated, periodontitis results in tooth loss – teeth either fall out naturally or must be extracted. If you don’t catch periodontitis in its early stages, you may require extensive surgery to save your teeth and may put yourself at risk for other serious health problems.

According to Caesy® Dental Education, “Ailments associated with periodontal disease include: respiratory disease, pneumonia, strokes, ulcers, difficult-to-control diabetes, low birth weight babies, and infective endocarditis (a dangerous infection of the heart valves.) Researchers recently discovered that this chronic infection in your mouth creates an open doorway for plaque bacteria to enter the blood stream. These bacteria – Streptococcus sangguis – may cause blood clots that can block your arteries and even trigger a heart attack.”

We find that most children do best if their first dental visit occurs just before three years of age. However, anytime after the eruption of your child’s first tooth is an appropriate time for them to see Dr. Aaron or Dr. Kristi. This visit is a chance to introduce the child to the sights and sounds of a dentist’s office. We want your child to enjoy the dentist’s office and to learn good dental care habits. It’s important to prevent cavities and other developmental problems, as they can cause pain and can jeopardize future dental health. At your child’s first visit, a hygienist will provide preventive therapy, and the dentist will evaluate your child’s oral health and give you advice for at-home care.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Be honest about going to the dentist – tell your child what to expect, but try not to transfer any negative thoughts or fears.
• Today’s dentistry is much more comfortable than it may have been when you were little.
• Set a good example – model good brushing and flossing habits at home, and think about making a game of it. Also, consider bringing your child to one of your dental visits, so they can see exactly what a visit to the dentist is like.
• Find books and other educational materials about dental care – many books and children’s shows talk about the dentist. These can be very helpful in teaching your child and in alleviating any fears.

A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars.) This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids and guarding against disease-causing bacteria.

Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. However, toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to efficiently extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque and food.