Dr. Johnson's Dentistry Blog

Wisdom teeth usually come in between ages 16 and 24 for people in the Anchorage community. While not always troublesome, it is important to learn as early as possible whether your wisdom teeth are coming in sideways, or otherwise impacting your other teeth.

Checking your wisdom teeth in Anchorage is a simple and painless process, and can save you trouble down the road.

Our practice, ‘Excellence In Dentistry‘, works with patients from ages 20 to 70, and our caring staff can help you determine whether your wisdom teeth will need to be extracted. We can also help you determine whether your wisdom teeth will require advanced care, or if a simple procedure can solve the problem.

Wisdom teeth can be painful, and we don’t like pain at Excellence In Dentistry, It’s our goal to give you the best care and attention when checking your wisdom teeth.

If you are in the Anchorage area and need to have your wisdom teeth checked, please stop by our office at 1000 East O’Malley, Suite 101, in Anchorage, AK. We also service the greater Eagle River area, including Wasilla, Palmer and Southern Alaska.

We specialize in cosmetic dentistry, and often perform restoring smiles. We can take a look at your wisdom teeth and help you make a healthy decision for your future.

‘for your health, beauty and well-being’

Hello! Welcome to the Excellence In Dentistry blog. If this your first visit, we hope you find useful information about our Anchorage cosmetic dentistry practice. If you have read some of our previous articles, we are glad you checked back with us. We post new articles regularly.

My name is Dr. Kirk Johnson, DDS. I have been practicing dentistry in Anchorage since 1987. Excellence In Dentistry is a full-service dental office located at 1000 East O’Malley, Suite 101, in Anchorage, Alazka. In addition to providing comprehensive examinations and deep cleanings for clients in the Eagle River area, we perform all types of tooth restorations.

When a tooth has decay or has been damaged, a dental restoration is needed to ‘restore’ the tooth to its previous intact condition. A dental filling is one of the most common and well-known types of restorations. A dental filling is used to repair decayed or damaged tooth surfaces. Most people have a few fillings in their mouth.

If you have old silver amalgam fillings, we can replace them with nearly-invisible fillings tooth colored. These fillings are made out of a strong composite resin. Many of our Wasilla cosmetic dentistry patients have replaced their old silver fillings with fillings matched to their teeth. You can improve your smile instantly and relatively inexpensively by getting rid of the ‘metal’.

Another reason some Southern Alaska and Palmer clients have had their old fillings replaced is because they are concerned about the possible heavy metal toxicity of the mercury in the silver.

If you would like to replace your amalgam fillings, call us at 907-349-0022 to schedule a consultation. We are currently accepting new patients and would be happy to show you around our Anchorage cosmetic dental office and introduce you to our friendly team.

Smile – it increases your face value!

Tooth whitening has become one of the most popular dental procedures in Alaska. It seems that everyone in Anchorage is whitening their teeth to help their smiles look younger and brighter. Many consumers in the Eagle River area are turning to over-the-counter solutions to whiten their teeth, however their can be dangers and pitfalls to this approach.

Here is some basic advice on tooth whitening from Excellence In Dentistry:

First, we encourage you to visit our office in Anchorage before starting a tooth whitening system. It is a good idea to have your teeth checked and analyzed before starting a tooth whitening program. Tooth whitening is not for everyone, and depends on your dental history.

Dr. Kirk Johnson at Excellence In Dentistry can help you determine whether your teeth can be whitened safely and effectively. We can also recommend tooth whitening solutions that will work best for you. Excellence In Dentistry is a good place to start for this important decision.

There are many pitfalls to be aware of when whitening your teeth. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products available in the Anchorage area will provide varying degrees of effectiveness on your teeth. If used improperly, whitening solutions can cause problems including tooth sensitivity, over whitening, damage to your tooth enamel, and irregular coloration. Whitening too much can even have a reverse effect, making your teeth look gray.

Most whitening product manufacturers recommend that you visit your local Anchorage dentist when things go wrong with your over-the-counter tooth whitening solution. We recommend you begin with the caring professionals at Excellence In Dentistry to get started with a whitening solution that will give you the best tooth whitening results.

Our office is located at 1000 East O’Malley, Suite 101, in Anchorage, Alaska 99515. Please give us a call or stop by to make an appointment to discuss your tooth whitening plans. We are eager to help you make the best decision.

Our caring staff is available to discuss tooth whitening solutions, explain whitening options, and check your teeth to make sure you will get the results you want.

I look forward to seeing your beautiful bright smile.

Kirk Johnson DDS, tooth whitening for the Anchorage community

When is the last time you had a dental checkup? Most people in the Anchorage area between the ages of 20 and 70 need a dental checkup every six months. If you live in Anchorage and are at higher risk for oral diseases, you should have your teeth checked every four months, or at least three times a year.

Come into our office, located at 1000 East O’Malley, Suite 101, in Anchorage, Alaska, or give us a call to make a dental appointment. You can visit our website at http://www.AnchorageSmiles.com for more information.

Most people in our Anchorage community are in a medium to low risk category. However if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar in your diet (including lots of soda), or have poor oral hygiene habits, you are likely in a higher risk category and should have your teeth checked right away.

I look at a lot of factors to determine your personal dental hygiene, and your dental outlook for your future. I want you to have the healthiest smile possible so that you can enjoy your teeth for many years without significant problems. If you live in the Anchorage area and are ready to have your teeth checked, please give Excellence In Dentistry a call at (907) 349-0022.

Our caring staff will be ready to get you started with a dental checkup.

Talk to you soon.

�Kirk Johnson DDS, Dental check ups for the Anchorage community

Periodontal disease in Alaska is more common than you might think, and can be cured with varying degrees of treatment depending on the severity.

What is periodontal disease? According to this article on Wikipedia, periodontal disease is ‘the name of a collection of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth.’

Periodontal disease, more commonly called ‘gum disease’, is an inflammation or infection of the gums. Periodontal disease can be very painful in some extreme conditions, and can limit your ability to eat normally. In some cases, periodontal disease can affect your smile, and can create cosmetic concerns.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage. When caught early and treated, periodontal disease can be little more than an inconvenience. However the best policy is to practice good dental hygiene to keep periodontal disease at bay.

One of the best ways to avoid periodontal disease is to get a regular dental check up at your local Anchorage dentist.

Give us a call at 907-349-0022 to schedule your next dental checkup; we look forward to seeing you.

� Dr. Kirk Johnson

There are a lot of places to look for a dentist, but its not always easy to find a dentist in Anchorage.

It used to be that in Anchorage you could find a dentist just by walking down to the corner of the street. Like many small towns, there would be a dentist on the corner of ‘north and main’, just up from the fire house, and across from the bakery.

Today, finding a dentist around Anchorage can take a little more time, and a little more effort. Our local Anchorage community is spread out a little more, and there is more than one option for finding a local dentist in Anchorage.

Let’s look at a few of the ways to find a local dentist in Anchorage:

The old timers among us still reach for the yellow pages when we look to find a dentist in our local Anchorage community. The yellow pages have been a standard for dentists since the beginning, and are a quick way to get a good list of local Anchorage dentists.

Studies are showing an ever increasing number of Anchorage consumers are turning to their Internet connection to find a dentist. To find a dentist online can mean more than just a name and a phone number; many dentists, like us, have additional information on their website that will help you gain a better understanding of their practice and the services they provide.

Many people find a dentist in the Anchorage community through printed mailers and flyers that come to your door. Anchorage dentists spend a lot of money on these types of flyers, which can often carry a discount opportunity or special promotion.

The most popular method used to find a local dentist? …Word of mouth. Studies have shown that people in Anchorage are more willing to listen to a family member or close friend when it comes to finding a local Anchorage dentist.

We understand this last point, and make it our job to keep our patients happy, healthy, informed and comfortable during their visit to the dentist. We know if you leave happy, your friends and family in the Anchorage area will hear about us, too.

If you are looking for a dentist in Anchorage, please give us a call. You can reach us at 907-349-0022.

If you know a friend who is trying to find a dentist in the Anchorage area, please pass our name along.

We look forward to seeing you both!

PS: Just click on the words ‘find a dentist’ in this article to visit our online dental website.

Tooth whitening in Anchorage is easy, affordable, and pain free. If you are looking for teeth whitening in the Anchorage area, please give our practice a call; we are ready to help you navigate the options.

-Kirk Johnson DDS

If you are planning extensive cosmetic dental work, you may be wondering whether to do it all at once or one procedure at a time over an extended period. Here are some factors to consider:

Cost
In the long run, It is less expensive to do it all at once. At Excellence In Dentistry in Anchorage, we are able to complete several procedures in one visit. We know that complete smile transformations are a significant investment for most Alaska residents. We would be happy to discuss affordable dentistry financing options. Call us at 907-349-0022 to schedule a no-pressure consultation.

Time
With the latest materials and cosmetic dental techniques, healing times are shorter than ever before. However, some procedures such as bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, root canals, and dental implants often require a short healing period.

It is easier physically and psychologically to have the fewest possible visits to your Anchorage dentist. You should also consider how your dental visits and necessary healing periods will impact your employment and family life. You will have less down time if you receive several procedures at once.

Aesthetic Results
While we routinely achieve great outcomes when doing a smile makeover in steps, porcelain restorations are best fabricated in the same “batch” for the most precise color matching.

Sedation Dentistry
When you come in for a smile analysis, we can discuss oral sedation dentistry. Many Anchorage cosmetic dental patients benefit from this safe and effective solution for pain and anxiety management. Conscious sedation is especially helpful for procedures such as multiple wisdom teeth extractions and dental implant placement.

Dr. Kirk Johnson
Excellence In Dentistry
1000 East O’Malley, Suite 101
Anchorage, Alaska
907-349-0022
http://www.AnchorageSmiles.com

If you have money in your Anchorage flexible spending account you may want to schedule some cosmetic dentistry before the deadline. Remember, you lose any funds left over after the plan year ends. Why not improve your smile with tax-free dollars?

Even a small change can make a big difference in the appearance of your teeth. You might consider getting a veneer for a chipped tooth or replacing a broken crown. Maybe you want to straighten your teeth with braces or replace amalgam fillings with clear ones that blend with your natural teeth. Tooth whitening is quick and easy and benefits even the most attractive smiles.

Perhaps aesthetic dentistry is not your first priority. Maybe you have a more pressing dental need such as a cavity that is bothering you or swollen gums. Don’t let these problems get worse and possibly more expensive to treat.

Call 907-349-0022 to book a consultation at Excellence In Dentistry in Anchorage. We are located at 1000 East O’Malley, Suite 101, Anchorage, Alaska.

Dr. Dr. Kirk Johnson is one of the most sought-after Anchorage dentists and stays at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry techniques and technology. A radiant smile is possible for anyone in the Southern Alaska area, regardless of issues such as tetracycline stains, periodontal disease, or missing teeth.

If you are planning to use flex account funds for dentistry, make sure you check your employer’s guidelines for eligible cosmetic or restorative dental procedures.

With a smile makeover at Excellence In Dentistry, what will your ‘after’ photo look like?

Each separate restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedure performed in Anchorage can address a specific dental problem. For example, a porcelain veneer can perfect the surface of a tooth that is discolored or slightly misshapen. Dental bonding can fill a small chip in an otherwise healthy tooth.

Some Anchorage dental problems are more extensive and require a combination of procedures. Crown restoration combined with soft tissue grafts can restore a severely decayed tooth with the root exposed. A bone graft and dental implant can restore a missing tooth in an area where the jaw bone has receded. Orthodontia followed by tooth bleaching totally transforms a smile by straightening and whitening.

What is the difference between tooth bleaching and whitening? Whitening is the term for procedures which remove surface stains to restore the degree of natural lightness. Bleaching goes even further by lightening teeth beyond their natural shade. That’s right: you don’t have to resign yourself to yellow teeth even if they have been that way your whole life! The natural shade of your teeth, by the way, like your skin and hair color, is determined by genetics.

Some Anchorage smiles have been gleaming for years by regular whitening. You can maintain the whiteness of your teeth just as you maintain your fitness level. (Of course it is a lot easier to make a quick visit to your Anchorage dentist once a year for whitening touch-ups than sweating in a gym several times a week!)

We live in an age where severe dental problems can be permanently corrected. You don’t have to participate in a TV makeover show in Hollywood to access these premium cosmetic dental procedures. They are available right here in Anchorage, Wasilla and Palmer. Dr. Kirk Johnson has the same advanced training and extensive experience as the dentists who keep the smiles of famous actors and musicians camera-ready.

Schedule a consultation at Excellence In Dentistry to discover the perfect combination of procedures to achieve your ultimate smile. Our phone number is 907-349-0022.