Treating or controlling periodontal (gum) disease is very important because it is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults. In the USA, one in three adults at the age of 65 have no teeth! Aside from the dental concerns and day-to-day necessity to obtain nutrition by eating, gum disease has been linked to other serious diseases including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and pancreatic cancer. Controlling gum disease is indeed important to one's general health!
Aside from traditional "cut and sew" gum surgery to treat gum disease an effective, patient-friendly, FDA-cleared alternative exists: Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). The LANAP protocol is a laser-based, minimally-invasive procedure that delivers superior results in controlling gum disease. This specific protocol uses a thin, laser fiber to clear out the infected tissue and stimulate healing in a procedure that has little discomfort and downtime.
I have provided the LANAP protocol to patients of my practice for 4 consecutive years now and have witnessed the superior results myself. There is no longer a reason to fear treatment of gum disease. The advanced technology of the LANAP protocol offers a patient-friendly solution to a very common, yet often ignored, health problem.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Vascular Inflammation in Obesity and Sleep Apnea
Check out this article: Untreated obstructive sleep apnea is more important determinant of cardiovascular disease than obesity. http://www.cardiosource.com/cjrpicks/CJRPick.asp?cjrID=5688
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Invisalign Preferred Provider
We have attained "Invisalign Preferred Provider" status from Invisalign. Invisalign is the leading alternative to conventional orthodontic treatment or 'braces'.
Invisalign is a popular technique with patients to straighten teeth because of lighter forces, comfort, and ease of cleaning the teeth during treatment. Pictured in the photograph is Nichole Stone regional manager for Invisalign.
Invisalign is a popular technique with patients to straighten teeth because of lighter forces, comfort, and ease of cleaning the teeth during treatment. Pictured in the photograph is Nichole Stone regional manager for Invisalign.Sunday, February 07, 2010
Relief of Sleep Apnea can be found using CPAP devices, but compliance is low - WSJ.com
Check out this article from the Wall Street Journal about the difficulties of treating sleep apnea, and the solutions dentistry offers:
Relief of Sleep Apnea can be found using CPAP devices, but compliance is low - WSJ.com
Relief of Sleep Apnea can be found using CPAP devices, but compliance is low - WSJ.com
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
5 Ways to Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits
From Marie Johnson, Business Manager at Eric Johnson, DDS
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.
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!
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.
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
1
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
We were pleasantly surprised to be named the South Bay'sFavorite 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.
From Woman's Day Magazine and Yahoo News:
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.
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!!!
Thank you to Keith Hennessey for this analysis of Government run, controlled, mandated, health care from our President. At best our President is disingenuous with regards to the particulars of this legislation. As a Doctor providing health care everyday, I can only see problem after problem with government run health care. Heck, they can't even deliver the mail on budget!!! Please see Mr. Hennessey's excellent analysis here. http://bit.ly/e9uOw
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Do Red Heads Feel More Pain?
People with red hair seem particularly nervous about visiting the dentist, and genetics may explain why, according to a new study.
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.
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
Marie and Patti presented dentistry, LANAP, Invisalign, and Lumineers to attendees of a Health Fair at the Crowne Plaza Hotel near LAX last Wednesday. They provided a lot of information on the benefits of modern dentistry and dentistry's relation to a healthy lifestyle.Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Eric Johnson, DDS - South Bay's Favorite Dentist!
I was voted the South Bay's Favorite Dentist in a poll taken the the Daily Breeze, our local newspaper!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
More Common Sense on ObamaCare
1. President Barack Obama repeatedly tells us that one reason national health care is needed is that we can no longer afford to pay for Medicare and Medicaid. But if Medicare and Medicaid are fiscally insolvent and gradually bankrupting our society, why is a government takeover of medical care for the rest of society a good idea? What large-scale government program has not eventually spiraled out of control, let alone stayed within its projected budget? Why should anyone believe that nationalizing health care would create the first major government program to "pay for itself," let alone get smaller rather than larger over time? Continued here: http://bit.ly/pDCXw
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Conscious Sedation
From 1-800Dentist's Fred Joyal:
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.
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
Marie and I presented dentistry, oral cancer information, LANAP, Invisalign, and Lumineers at Raytheon in El Segundo, CA last Wednesday. No photos were taken as security prohibits photography. In fact, our Iphones were checked at reception as a precaution.
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