Wednesday, November 04, 2009
5 Ways to Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits
1. Remember that dental insurance plans don’t limit the care you can receive from your dentist; they only limit the dollar amount that is covered by insurance. Find out the maximum dollar amount and treatment you can receive under your insurance plan per year.
2. To avoid financial surprises, work with your dental office to: a.) formulate a treatment plan and b.) get an accurate estimate of benefits from your insurance company.
3. Maximize your benefits by scheduling major dental treatment at the end of one benefit period and the beginning of the next benefit period.
4. Understand that there are some incidents where dental insurance and medical insurance overlap. Check your medical coverage, because certain types of dental treatment may be covered by medical insurance.
5. Ask your dental office for detailed receipts of all treatment completed to ensure insurance claims get processed in a timely manner and get accurately paid to avoid late fees and finance charges.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Nobody Ever Told Me About That!
1. You will look older faster with the following dental problems: gum disease, missing, stained or broken teeth; and ill-fitting dentures or bridges.
2. Amalgam (silver) fillings can expand and, over a period of years, cause natural teeth to crack.
3. A crown is recommended for several reasons. One reason is to reestablish the biting surfaces of the teeth. Another may be to prevent an "at risk" tooth from cracking.
4. A 200-pound man with full mouth dentures has less chewing force than his 90-year old aunt who has all her teeth.
5. Over time, teeth can become discolored from age or continuous exposure to tea, coffee, red wine, dark colas, and tobacco. These stains go deep into the surface of the tooth. In order to get teeth really white, talk to your dentist about a professional whitening that will penetrate the tooth's enamel.
6. Gum disease can lead to the spread of infection through your blood stream, resulting in a loss of energy, creating fatigue.
7. Diet sodas, cough drops, and chewing tobacco can cause tooth decay.
8. People mistakenly believe that their teeth must touch at all times. Not so. In fact, unless you are chewing, talking, or swallowing, your jaw should be in a relaxed, slack position.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Health Expo at Herbalife
Marie, Evalin, and I presented dentistry, LANAP, Invisalign, and Lumineers at a Health Expo at Herbalife in Torrance. We spoke to many people and I performed oral health screenings. Above is a short video of the event. These events are part of our dental practice's outreach to our to our neighbors to provide information on good dental health.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Cavity Detecting Laser
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A cavity detecting laser! This laser device is very sensitive and can often find tooth decay not found with dental x-rays. When tooth decay is diagnosed in the early stages, repair of the teeth is much easier and tooth structure is conserved.
Friday, October 09, 2009
The PerioLase Laser Close-up
This video is of the laser canula of the PerioLase MVP-7 Laser. The laser is used for treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. The laser is a central component of LANAP (laser assisted new attachment procedure), which is a minimal invasive surgical therapy instead of 'cut and sew' gum surgery. The LANAP procedure is FDA approved, scientifically tested, and very effective.
Monday, October 05, 2009
South Bay's Favorite Dentist
Favorite Dentist 2009 in a poll taken by the Daily Breeze.
This is quite an unexpected honor. We strive everyday to serve our patients, listen to their concerns, and treat them with compassion and fairness. We are thankful and grateful our efforts are being noticed. To all who voted in the poll, THANK YOU!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Mama Hill's Help
Last month, we set aside two days to provide dental examinations, cleanings, and dental treatment for children from Mama Hill's Help, a small independent charity in Los Angeles. Mama Hill is actually Millicent Hill, a retired schoolteacher who has shouldered the responsibility of caring and providing help for hundreds of underprivileged children. Her work is quite inspirational and if anyone would like more information about, or would like to donate to this wonderful cause, please contact my office.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
What Doctors Wish You Would Do.
Among the tips for healthy living these important dental considerations.
Respect Your Mouth:
Floss and brush daily and you'll be rewarded with more than just a bright smile. "Your oral health has a major influence on your systemic health," says Dr. Roizen. "The same bacteria that cause gum disease in your mouth can set off an immune reaction that may lead to wrinkles, heart disease and even stroke." Several studies have linked periodontal disease to an increased risk of heart disease (some speculate that gum disease may cause chronic inflammation, which can in turn cause swelling around the arteries).
As a dentist who evaluates a patient's general health everyday, I certainly can testify to the importance of oral health and a person's overall well-being.
Get Familiar with "C":
As in c-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation (checked with a blood test) that experts think may play a role in the formation of clots that block the flow of blood to the heart. Researchers in the landmark JUPITER study of more than 17,000 women 60 and older and men 50 and older found that those who had normal cholesterol levels but slightly elevated levels of c-reactive protein reduced their risk of heart attack and stroke by taking a statin--meaning that CRP levels may be worth keeping tabs on. However, keep in mind that experts are still trying to figure out CRP's exact role, and whether or not it directly causes heart disease or is a sign that it's developing. "Men and women in this age group with normal cholesterol should ask their doctors about CRP," says Dr. Goldberg.
In dentistry, particularly treating periodontal or gum disease, we are very aware of the effects C-Reactive Protein on overall health. C-reactive Protein is marker of inflammation that is very frequently seen with patients with gum disease. I have had patients C-Reactive Protein levels reverse significantly after treating their periodontal disease.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
ObamaCare Dissected - OUCH!!!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Do Red Heads Feel More Pain?
A few studies in recent years have found that redheads tend to be less responsive to local pain-blockers like Novocain and may need larger doses to get the same pain relief as people with darker coloring.
These latest findings, published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, suggest that the genetics of red hair may be behind the link.
Red hair is the result of particular variations in what is called the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene, which helps determine pigmentation. While it was once thought that the gene was active only in the skin, hair and eyes, more-recent research has shown that it also functions in the brain, where it may play a role in processing pain, anxiety and fear.
So for the new study, researchers led by Dr. Catherine J. Binkley, of the University of Louisville in Kentucky, looked at whether red hair and MC1R variations were related to people's aversion to seeing the dentist.
They found that among the 144 white adults they recruited, those with MC1R variations reported more anxiety about dental procedures and were twice as likely to say they avoided the dentist altogether.
Not surprisingly, nearly all of the natural redheads in the study carried at least one copy of an MC1R variation linked to red hair -- 65 of 67 participants. The same was true of roughly one-quarter of the 77 dark-haired study participants.
When the researchers took a closer look at the data, they found that the presence of these MC1R variations was more strongly linked to dental anxiety than was hair color itself.
The results, according to Binkley's team, suggest that dentists should ask all patients -- but especially redheads -- about their anxiety over any procedures they must have and then use "appropriate modalities" to help them manage the problem.
SOURCE: Journal of the American Dental Association, July 2009.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Health Fair @ the Crowne Plaza Hotel
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Eric Johnson, DDS - South Bay's Favorite Dentist!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
More Common Sense on ObamaCare
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Conscious Sedation
Dentists scare people. This isn't news. Millions of people have horrible things happening in their mouths because fear keeps them out of the dentist's chair. It doesn't have to be that way....Conscious sedation is helping fearful patients to get the treatment they need to improve their oral health. It helps you to relax and remain awake so you can still communicate with the dentist during treatment. Conscious Sedation is sometimes referred to as "sleep dentistry," even though the patient usually stays awake. Deeper levels of sedation are possible where you are actually totally unconscious during the procedure.There are different ways that sedation may be administered. Among them are nitrous oxide (laughing gas) by mask, oral sedation in pill form and IV sedation, which typically works faster and can be adjusted during the procedure.So come on, take a deep breath, put away that fear and go to the dentist. Your teeth will thank you and it might all just seem like a pleasant dream.
Eric Johnson, DDS @ Raytheon
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Teeth-Friendly Foods
You get hungry and sometimes you need to snack. What’s to be done when you can’t get to a toothbrush? Starve, for fear of cavities? Of course not. Simply exercise some wisdom when choosing your snack. It may seem convenient and taste-bud tempting to reach for a candy bar, but your teeth won’t thank you.
It’s common knowledge that sugar and other sweets are bad for teeth, but did you know that certain foods can actually promote tooth health? So with the health of your teeth and gums in mind, don’t just avoid certain foods, seek out certain foods.
Consider the following foods and what they can do for your oral health:
Apples, celery, and carrots. These crunchy foods help to remove plaque from teeth when you are unable to brush. (Not a substitute, mind you, but a decent alternative until you can get to your toothbrush. Also, rinse your mouth with water.)
Fruit. Sugars that occur naturally in fruits are less harmful to teeth than regular table sugar. But keep in mind that natural sugars such as honey, molasses, corn syrup, and raw sugar still do promote cavities.
Natural foods are best. Replace processed snacks with fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Foods that aren’t chewy, sticky, and gooey, as these cling to your teeth the longest.
Raisins. Yes, they’re sticky and sweet, but research has indicated that raisins contain phytochemicals that discourage the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, as well as hinder the bacteria from clinging to teeth.
Unsweetened cereal. Obviously, better for teeth than sweetened cereal.
Baked tortilla chips, pretzels, whole grain crackers, and popcorn. You won’t find much sugar here.
Water. Okay, it’s not a food, but it does affect your teeth. Instead of drinking sugary drinks such as soda and juice, drink water and you’ll be rinsing your teeth as well as quenching your thirst.
Finally, if you must indulge in occasional sweets, the best time to do so it along with a main meal, instead of between meals when the sugar can cling to your teeth more easily and longer. During mealtimes, saliva production is at a higher level, thus helping to reduce plaque build-up (commonly misspelled as “plague build-up”) and prevent cavities.
Remember, no food can take the place of proper brushing and dental hygiene, but it’s plain to see that certain foods are more friendly to teeth when it comes to forming plaque and cavities. Keep this in mind and you’re on your way to enjoying a happy, healthy mouth.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Health Expo at TABC (Toyota)
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Obesity Linked to Risk of Periodontitis
Friday, June 19, 2009
Treating Gum Disease Helps Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Dental Presentation at Hitco Industries
Monday, June 15, 2009
Lumineer Day this Thursday June 18!
See here for details: http://www.ericjohnsondds.com
Friday, June 12, 2009
A Beautiful Result With LUMINEERS
Friday, June 05, 2009
Health Expo Presentation
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
1- DAY FREE DENTAL VENEERS EVENT
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
CAN A SMILE REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
TORRANCE, CA (May 26, 2009) - Eric Johnson, DDS believes your smile has everything to do with the success of a job interview. At his practice in Torrance, CA http://www.EricJohnsonDDS.com he regularly treats patients wanting to enhance their smile with the use of current, least-invasive treatment procedures.
On Thursday, June 18, 2009, Dr. Johnson is conducting FREE evaluations of your smile and may recommend the newest technique using LUMINEERS, contact lens – thin and completed in two visits. He will advise how to beautify your smile…especially for the job-seeking process.
According to Monster.com’s interview expert, “Linguists and psychologists have found 93% of communication is non-verbal, and a smile is a non-verbal clue that is an immediate rapport-builder.” Monster.com goes on to report, “Interviewers are often nervous, too. In 1/16 of a second we assess whether someone will harm, help or hurt us. A smile tells someone you’re not going to hurt them.”
Dr. Johnson is a highly trusted Dentist in the South Bay and enhancing a smile is a cosmetic service he provides. He is a 20-year veteran in the field of dentistry, holding current training in multiple procedures (including the latest periodontal surgery using a breakthrough technology that utilizes laser therapy that can actually regenerate new gum and bone tissue). He endeavors to utilize minimally-invasive procedures that are FDA approved.
ABOUT ERIC JOHNSON, DDS
Dr. Johnson is a graduate of the UCLA School of Dentistry and has been in the practice of dentistry since 1986. He holds multiple honors for research on head and neck physiology.
His office in Torrance, California http://www.EricJohnsonDDS.com focuses on all phases of Dentistry including: fixed and removable prosthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, and oral surgery.
He has fine-tuned his expertise in the use of lasers to treat periodontal disease, and has earned the status of “Certified Instructor” with the Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry. Additionally, he holds a California permit to provide Conscious Sedation Dentistry.
Dr. Johnson regularly lectures at schools and professional organizations on a variety of dental topics, and he is a member of the following professional organizations:
Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry – Certified Instructor
American & California Dental Associations
Western Dental Society
International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Gum Disease Can Lead to Gestational Diabetes
Thursday, May 21, 2009
More Great LANAP Results in Compendium
Sunday, May 17, 2009
ObamaCare -- OUCH!
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124208383695408513.html
Friday, May 08, 2009
LANAP Results on Video
LANAP Co-inventor on the ABC News
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Green Tea For Healthy Gums?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Swine Flu and Your Dental Office
We're doing our part to help protect the health of our patients. And we'd like your help!If you have any flu-like symptoms, please do not come in to our office. Rest assured that you will not be charged a missed appointment fee if you're not feeling well. Don’t get us wrong, we love seeing you and we never want to turn anyone away. However, the last thing we want is for our dental office to become a place where infection spreads. To protect our patients, we're doing everything we can to keep our team members healthy and not have sick patients in the waiting room.Here are some general tips for dealing with swine flu:
Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
At the first sign of illness, isolate yourself to protect others. (Authorities recommend you stay at home for at least 7 days after getting sick, as you could still infect others.)
If your flu symptoms are mild, stay home, and call your doctor; do not go the doctor's office or clinic.
If your symptoms become severe, call your doctor immediately and seek medical treatment.
We hope you're feeling healthy! If you have any questions or if we may be of assistance, call at 310.540.8800 or email us at info@EricJohnsonDDS.com
Friday, April 24, 2009
Lumineer Day at Eric Johnson, DDS on June 18, 2009!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The New Web Site is Live!
http://www.ericjohnsondds.com
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Super Glue Dentistry????
Saturday, April 18, 2009
New Media
Our New Website is Coming Soon!
We are launching into a new and improved web presence to help our now and future patients learn about the important services we offer such as LANAP, Invisalign, Lumineers, and General Dentistry.