Dr. Johnson's Dentistry Blog

To remain dense, your jaw bone requires the continual stimulation and pressure of chewing, biting and talking. Each of your teeth has a root structure attached to the surrounding bone material. As each tooth absorbs the forces of everyday mouth function, it stimulates the bone to which the root is attached.

When a tooth is extracted, the jaw bone that previously surrounded the root structure begins to recede. Though tooth extraction is often the only possible treatment for our Anchorage patients with tooth damage beyond repair, every effort should be made to preserve the root structure.

Fortunately, tooth implants provide a new root which keeps the surrounding bone healthy and strong. A dental implant consists of a titanium post which is placed in the jaw bone. It replaces the original root and eventually integrates into the surrounding bone. After the implant has been placed and the surrounding bone has healed and meshed with the implant, a post is inserted into the implant. The new artificial tooth, or crown, is then attached to the post. Implant restoration is a safe and effective treatment for tooth loss.

To learn more about dental implants, call Dr. Kirk Johnson at 907-349-0022. The friendly professionals at Excellence In Dentistry provide world-class dental treatment for patients in Anchorage and surrounding areas.

For your health, beauty and well-being.

When my patients ask me about tooth restoration in Anchorage, I usually tell them about fixed (or ‘traditional’) dental bridges or tooth implants. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth which replaces a missing tooth. The false tooth (called a ‘pontic’) is fused to porcelain crowns on either side of the missing tooth.

Tooth replacement has been a highly requested procedure at my Anchorage dental practice. Patients from the Palmer area and Southern Alaska area have expressed concern about tooth replacement for many years. Most of my questions in the Eagle River area have to do with the strength of the tooth replacement, and durability.

Dental implants are also popular concern for my Eagle River tooth replacement patients. A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The post integrates with the bone to provide a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.

After it has bonded with the bone (it usually takes three to six months), a smaller post is attached. This post extends above the gum line. The artificial tooth (crown) is then attached. The entire process takes several months, but consistently yields terrific results for Anchorage tooth restoration patients. My Alaska cosmetic dentistry patients appreciate the fact that I stay up to date on the latest advancements in tooth replacement procedures.

Both Alaska smile restoration options preserve or restore facial contour and allow you to talk and eat normally. Tooth replacements prevent adjoining teeth from gradually shifting and can help correct bite problems, too. Tooth implants and dental bridges can replace one or more missing teeth. Many Eagle River area dental patients have been treated successfully with these tooth restoration alternatives.

Call Excellence In Dentistry and ask for Dr. Kirk Johnson to schedule an evaluation for Alaska dental implants, bridges or dental crowns. You can schedule your tooth restoration by calling us at 907-349-0022.