Relationships of all kinds are important. Especially your relationship with your Anchorage, AK dentist.
Did your last Anchorage cosmetic dentist cause you fear, guilt and pain? Perhaps you quit seeing your dentist because you hated going and he/she loved making you wait. Was your previous Alaska cosmetic dentist insensitive to your concerns? Was he/she a poor communicator? Perhaps you have simply moved into the Anchorage area and need a new provider.
I am Dr. Kirk Johnson of Excellence In Dentistry in Anchorage. I understand that many patients are nervous (okay – downright terrified) about dental visits. I also realize that no client wants to be given a shameful lecture about their oral health.
Though I have years of experience and extensive training on all the latest cosmetic dental procedures, there are some things that can’t be learned in dental school; how to build trusting relationships with your patients and create a relaxed atmosphere in your dental practice. I understand that Anchorage dental clients can feel very vulnerable as they lie in the chair with their mouth open. My staff and I maintain a friendly environment in our pleasant office. We manage our practice carefully to minimize waiting and provide ample time for each valued patient.
Effective communication is a priority. I make sure my Anchorage dentistry patients understand their restorative and cosmetic options and answer all their questions before we develop a treatment plan.
If you are currently seeking a considerate, experienced, and sensitive Anchorage dentist, I look forward to meeting you. My phone number is 907-349-0022. You can learn more about me at http://www.anchoragesmiles.com.
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Posted Jul 21, 2010 in Cosmetic Dentistry | Comments Off
Excellence In Dentistry specializes in local dentistry to provide that special, local dental care to our Anchorage, Alaska dental patients.
Excellence In Dentistry provides local dentistry and cosmetic dentistry to the city of Anchorage in the state of Alaska. We also provide local dentistry services to our neighboring areas including Wasilla and Palmer.
Our most popular local dentistry procedure is restoring smiles, however we also perform several dental implants.
You can contact Excellence In Dentistry about restoring smiles or placing dental implants, or any other local dentistry service by calling us at 907-349-0022.
If you live in the 99515 zip code area, and are looking for a ‘home town dentist’ who provides local dentistry to the Anchorage, Alaska area, click on any of the links on this page, give us a call at 907-349-0022, or stop by and visit. You can find us at 1000 East O’Malley, Suite 101 in Anchorage, Alaska.
For your health, beauty and well-being
Posted Jul 13, 2010 in General Dentistry | Comments Off
Looking For A Dentist In Anchorage is sometimes a simple matter of word of mouth. The most common way for people to find a dentist in a new area such as Anchorage is to ask a friend or neighbor. ‘Who is your dentist?’ is a common question. The answer is usually followed up with an explanation about whether or not your friend likes their dentist or not, and whether they would recommend their Anchorage cosmetic dentist to a friend.
I am Dr. Kirk Johnson, and I am a dentist serving the Anchorage Alaska community as a licensed dentist. We call our practice ‘Excellence In Dentistry’, and we welcome new patients from the Eagle River and Anchorage area.
If you are new to the Eagle River or Anchorage area and are looking for an Anchorage cosmetic dentist, please come by my dentist office in Anchorage Alaska. I will be happy to spend some time with you to get to know you, and to introduce you to our caring office staff.
I realize that most of our new patients will come to us by word-of-mouth referrals and our patient testimonials. It is our goal to deliver such a positive dental experience that you will be compelled to tell your friends about how happy you are with our dental service.
I look forward to meeting you.
-Dr. Kirk Johnson, DDS
907-349-0022
Posted Jul 7, 2010 in Cosmetic Dentistry | Comments Off
As your local Eagle River dentist, one of my roles is to help you take care of your mouth. Sometimes mouth sores can be an issue, and while Eagle River dentists often defer to an oral surgeon for extreme cases, we can help you make an assessment.
If you live in the Eagle River area and have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two; come and see me. Mouth sores can be an indicator of disease, and an early assessment is the best bet. A better understanding of your mouth sores can lead quickly to comfort and a resolution. If necessary, treatment and pain relief can be offered.
There are two common types of mouth sores that are common in the Eagle River area; canker sores and cold sores.
Canker sores are small ulcer-like sores with a white or gray base and a red border. They are found on the inside of the mouth and while they are not contagious, they can be painful. Typically a canker sore heals in a week or two. Antimicrobal mouth-rinses, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods may offer you temporary relief while your sore is healing.
The cause of a canker sores is not certain. Possible explanations range from a cut on the inside the mouth, and reactions to extreme temperatures or acids from food or drink, to fatigue, stress, and allergies. Some studies point to bacteria or viruses, or combinations of all these factors.
Cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes Simplex, are groups of fluid-filled blisters that often appear around the lips, sometimes appearing under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are contagious and painful, but usually heal in about a week. Some over-the-counter anesthetics may provide relief. There are some antiviral drugs on the market that have shown promise in reducing outbreaks, but there is currently no known cure. The initial infection, known as primary herpes, often occurs before adulthood. Once the virus infects you, it may stay in your body and remain inactive or cause occasional cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks may be triggered by a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions, stress, or exposure to extremes in temperature.
As your Eagle River dentist, I can’t do much to stop canker sores or cold sores in your mouth. I can discuss the health of your mouth, and examine any causes that make your mouth sore. In some cases a change in the way you care for your mouth can reduce the chances of getting mouth sores. If you are in the Anchorage, and would like to speak with a dental professional about mouth sores, area give us a call at Excellence In Dentistry.
Our number is 907-349-0022.
Posted Jun 30, 2010 in Dental Health, General Dentistry | Comments Off
I’m Dr. Kirk Johnson DDS of Excellence In Dentistry in Anchorage. My Eagle River dentistry clients often ask me if chewing xylitol gum is an effective substitute for tooth brushing and regular Anchorage dental exams.
Before I answer that question, let me tell you a little bit about xylitol:
Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually good for your teeth. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that xylitol prevents the growth of the bacteria that initiates decay. It also reduces plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.
Xylitol has other benefits, as well. Because it is low on the glycemic index, many of my Wasilla diabetic patients enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. If my Southern Alaska cosmetic dentistry patients complain about frequent dry mouth, I recommend Xylitol gum or mints to stimulate saliva production without promoting tooth decay.
Now, back to the golden question. Is xylitol gum just as effective as brushing your teeth and seeing your Eagle River family dentist regularly? Absolutely not! If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly (with a soft brush) after meals and get twice-yearly exams and oral dentistry deep cleanings at your Anchorage dentistry clinic.
At Excellence In Dentistry, our goal is to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life by preventing dental problems before they start. If you postpone Palmer dental visits until you feel pain, you risk losing teeth and most certainly will require more extensive treatment than if the problem was caught earlier. Is it time for a dental exam? Call us at 907-349-0022 to book an appointment. Our caring is waiting to take care of all your dental needs.
Posted Jun 24, 2010 in Dental Health, General Dentistry | Comments Off
Patients often come into our Anchorage Alaska dental practice and complain about ‘a toothache the size of Eagle River’. I understand this kind of pain, and realize that when you describe it like that, it really hurts. I can help.
Tooth ache pain for anyone in Anchorage can be unbearable. At the very least, toothache pain can cause you to avoid eating certain foods, certain temperatures, and even talking. Severe toothache pain can be downright debilitating, forcing patients to go to extreme measures to alleviate the pain.
Around Anchorage, the most common causes of a tooth ache include tooth infection, decay, injury, and loss of a tooth. Tooth pain can also occur after a tooth has been extracted, or after an oral surgery involving anything from a tooth or your jawbone.
I can help you better understand the source of your tooth ache pain, and in most cases can provide a nearly immediate remedy. In severe cases, we are equipped to council you on a variety of resolutions.
Of course, the best way to avoid tooth ache pain is to visit your Anchorage dentist often, and to care properly for your teeth including the regular regimen of brushing and flossing.
If you are experiencing tooth ache pain, and just can’t stand it any more, please give me a call; I am standing by to help.
-Dr. Kirk Johnson, DDS
907-349-0022
Posted Jun 15, 2010 in Dental Health, General Dentistry | Comments Off
The American Dental Association offers some welcome advice for choosing a dentist in Anchorage. We have already talked about how word of mouth is an important factor in how many people find a dentist. Here are some things you should look for in an Anchorage dentist:
Location is always a factor when choosing a dentist in Anchorage. If you live in the Anchorage Alaska area, there are many options, and most Anchorage locations are not too far out of the way. While location plays an important role in convenience, many people are willing to drive a little farther for a better experience with their Anchorage dentist.
Relationship is a strong factor. Your Anchorage dentist should be approachable, and should make you feel comfortable when you are in the dentist chair. After all, your Anchorage dentist will be working very close with you to help you achieve a high level of oral hygiene; you most certainly will want to have a good, professional, comfortable relationship with your Anchorage dentist and the dental office staff.
Specialty is another important factor in choosing a dentist in Anchorage. Some dentists specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Others specialize in corrective dentistry such as braces. Depending on your need, you may select a local Anchorage dentist who can solve your immediate concern. Bare in mind, however, that it is good to have a general dentist who can maintain your dental history and work with you to through the years.
If you are looking for a dentist in Anchorage, please come by and speak with me. I can address your interest in any of these critical areas, and will be happy to introduce you to Excellence In Dentistry.
I look forward to meeting you.
-Dr. Kirk Johnson, DDS
907-349-0022
Posted Jun 9, 2010 in Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign | Comments Off
Some people experience severe anxiety when undergoing dental treatment. With oral conscious sedation, it is possible to relax during dental procedures instead of being tense and fearful. Oral sedation dentistry, relaxation dentistry, conscious sedation and anxiety-free dentistry are all terms used to describe this type of treatment. In addition to alleviating anxiety, oral conscious sedation can help patients with a variety of conditions.
You may want to consider oral conscious sedation if you have any of the following issues:
- Strong gag reflex
- Fear of needles
- Sensitive teeth
- Fear and anxiety associated with dental treatment
- Difficulty getting numb
- A history of negative dental experiences
- Trouble controlling body movement due to Parkinson’s disease, Cerebral Palsy or related condition
- Need extensive dental treatment requiring lengthy dental visits
If you have avoided dental treatment due to any of these factors, give us a call at 907-349-0022. We can give you more information about sedation options and help you determine which one is right for you. At Excellence in Dentistry we do all we can to make your visit as comfortable as possible. We look forward to discussing your oral health and dental goals.
- Dr. Kirk Johnson
- http://www.anchoragesmiles.com
- Excellence in Dentistry
- 1000 East O’Mailey, Suite 101
- Anchorage AK, 99515
- 907-349-0022
Achieving Health and Beauty with Modern Dentistry.
Posted Jun 2, 2010 in sedation dentistry | Comments Off
Malocclusions (bite problems) include overbites, underbites and crossbites. Jaw alignment disorders restrict proper chewing, talking, and swallowing. They can also cause teeth to shift around in the mouth. Anchorage dentistry patients with bite problems are at a greater risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease because bite misalignment often makes it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene.
When the lower jaw is smaller than the upper jaw, it is called an overbite. When the situation is reversed, it is called an underbite. Crossbite occurs when lower teeth are in the wrong position.
Bite problems can cause headaches and TMJ pain. Some Palmer dental patients with severe bite problems develop a distorted facial shape and damaged teeth.
If you suspect your toddler or older child has a bite problem, it is important to see your Eagle River dentist as soon as possible. Bite issues and their various related problems get worse over time.
At Excellence In Dentistry, we diagnose and successfully treat bite problems in addition to providing general and cosmetic dentistry. We can be reached at 907-349-0022. Our office is located at 1000 East O’Malley, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK. You can find out more about us at http://www.AnchorageSmiles.com.
Most of our patients live in Anchorage or nearby in Wasilla or Palmer. If you have recently moved into the Eagle River area and need a skilled family and cosmetic dentist, come visit our caring team. We pamper every patient and make dental visits as comfortable as possible.
Posted May 26, 2010 in Dental Health, TMJ Treatment | Comments Off
If you have been paying attention to the Anchorage orthodontics scene in recent years, you probably know about invisible braces and speed braces. These new teeth straightening procedures have been welcomed by many people, especially Eagle River adults who want an alternative to traditional metal braces.
There’s more good news for Wasilla dentistry clients who want to straighten their teeth. How about ‘instant orthodontics‘?
If you want immediate teeth straightening, you can smile sooner with porcelain veneers from Excellence In Dentistry!
The key to achieving a celebrity smile may be porcelain veneers for your teeth from an Anchorage cosmetic dentist. Dr. Kirk Johnson at Excellence In Dentistry can help you determine if porcelain veneer dentistry is for you. Ongoing education is essential for elite cosmetic dentists who work to continually provide the latest procedures and materials for their cosmetic and orthodontic clients. We can help.
In addition to correcting tooth alignment, porcelain veneers are used to whiten teeth and restore chipped teeth in Palmer and Southern Alaska. Porcelain veneers are attached to the front of teeth and often require no removal of healthy tooth structure. Another advantage? They are less expensive than complete crown restorations but look just as natural. -Actually, they look far better than most natural teeth!
For an instant orthodontic consultation, call Excellence In Dentistry at 907-349-0022. Porcelain veneers may be the best way for you to receive a smile makeover at a fraction of the cost.
Posted May 17, 2010 in Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign, Porcelain Veneers | Comments Off
