Dr. Johnson’s Dental Blog

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, DDS
• /services/sedation-dentistry/
• Excellence In Dentistry
• 1000 East O’Malley, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK
• Anchorage, Alaska 99515
• 907-349-0022

Serving Anchorage dental patients since 1987.

for your health, beauty and well-being

I am glad you found our blog! I’m Dr. Kirk Johnson, DDS, of Excellence In Dentistry, a full-service dental practice in Anchorage. I am a proud member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. My profession is dentistry, but my passion is providing superior and affordable Anchorage dental care for my patients. I began serving Alaska dental clients in the Eagle River area back in 1987. Since that time, my profession has undergone dramatic changes which have benefited my teeth whitening and tooth restoration patients in Wasilla and Palmer.

My specialty in Anchorage is cosmetic dentistry, but I also perform many dental implants for my Wasilla and Palmer patients.

I know my Anchorage dentistry clients have many choices for their dental care, and work hard every day to surpass expectations.

I build long-term relationships with my Palmer and Southern Alaska cosmetic dentistry patients. I constantly educate myself on the latest procedures to determine what is truly innovative and what is merely a gimmick. My cosmetic dentistry patients appreciate the time I take to thoroughly analyze their total oral health. My caring staff enjoys keeping my Anchorage family dentistry practice running smoothly so I can concentrate on what I do best—serving my patients!

Dr. Kirk Johnson, DDS

907-349-0022

Dentists in Anchorage are concerned with your oral health and thus care about the condition of your mouth and all of your many teeth. At Excellence In Dentistry we recognize that your teeth help you both eat and speak. You use your teeth to tear, scrape, and chew food, as well as to form words with your tongue. Teeth are an important part of your oral health and Excellence In Dentistry located in Anchorage, Alaska wants to help keep your mouth and teeth healthy.

We humans have two sets of teeth in our lifetime. The first set are your ‘primary teeth’, which many folks around Anchorage often call ‘baby teeth’. Baby teeth typically start to come in at about 6 months old. An average healthy mouth for a Anchorage resident has a total of 20 primary teeth by about age 5.

Your primary teeth will eventually fall out and new teeth known as ‘permanent teeth’ will grow in. Permanent teeth typically begin to come in around age 6 for most Anchorage residents, but every person is unique and it could be a little earlier or later. By about age 13 an average healthy mouth should have 28 of the total 32 permanent teeth. The last four permanent teeth may or may not come, but typically come in between the ages of 17 and 21 if they do. Because of the late age that these last teeth come in they are commonly called ‘wisdom teeth’.

Many adults in the city of Anchorage have their wisdom teeth pulled out because these teeth can be problematic to your oral health, such as crowding a mouth. Other adults in the Anchorage area may not have these teeth pulled out because they are not causing problems. If you are concerned about the state of your wisdom teeth you can visit our local Anchorage dental office and we can help you make a decision.

Caring for all of your teeth whether you are young and have 20 primary teeth or are an adult and have 28 to 32 permanent teeth is important for your overall health. Visiting your Anchorage dentist regularly, and brushing and flossing daily are great ways to care for your many teeth. Excellence In Dentistry located in Anchorage, cares about your oral health and teeth and can be reached by phone at, 907-349-0022.

Myth #1: Cosmetic Dentistry is Never Necessary for a Healthy Smile

Many so-called Eagle River cosmetic dental procedures are not solely cosmetic. Wasilla dental procedures such as tooth replacement are smile-enhancing and, more importantly, prevent many potential problems such as tooth movement, bone loss and difficulty chewing and speaking.

Myth #2: A Palmer Dental Bridge is the Only Way to Replace a Missing Tooth

Dental bridges are an Anchorage dental cosmetic procedure that have been used for many years with success. However, dental implants are often a better choice for replacing one or more missing teeth. Dental implants have many advantages for Southern Alaska dental patients. They feel like natural teeth, they are stronger, and they are easier to clean than dental bridges. Alaska tooth implants can also be used to anchor dentures or partial dentures.

Myth #3: At-Home Kits are as Effective for Tooth Whitening Than a Professional Dental Solution

At Excellence In Dentistry, we offer our Eagle River dental patients teeth whitening treatments that provide a much greater level of whiteness than at-home kits. At-home kits may remove surface stains, but they do not provide optimum results and can often lead to uneven coloring.

Myth #4: Dental Bonding is the Best Way to Fix a Chipped Tooth.

Dental bonding can restore the shape of a tooth, but may not be the best long-term solution. If you have a damaged tooth, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Call us at 907-349-0022 to set up an appointment so we can determine the best solution for you.

Myth #5: Wasilla Braces are the Only Way to Straighten Teeth

Braces are often part of a transforming dental makeover for our Eagle River teens and adults alike. However, if your teeth are only slightly crooked, invisible braces can reshape your teeth and dramatically improve your smile.

dentist Dr. Kirk Johnson DDS
friendly team and comfortable environment
Excellence In Dentistry
1000 East O’Malley, Suite 101
Anchorage, Alaska 99515
http://www.AnchorageSmiles.com
907-349-0022

Sometimes we research our Anchorage mechanic or Wasilla hairdresser more thoroughly than our Anchorage dental professional. Shouldn’t your dental care be far more important than the condition of your car or the style of your hair? At Excellence In Dentistry, we love to answer questions about your teeth. You should be asking your Alaska dentist any question you have about the care and status of your teeth.

For instance, you may have questions about the school of dentistry and dental specialties studied. Though important, dentistry school is not the only place to gain dental experience. Dr. Kirk Johnson has been performing complex Alaska dental procedures since 1987.

You should also be asking about the dentistry specialties your Wasilla dentist offers such as tooth restoration and invisible braces. These services may not be important to you now, but it is a good idea to have an understanding of your options, and to know what your Wasilla dentist has to offer.

If you are contemplating smile restoration, tooth implants, or tooth whitening, evaluate Wasilla cosmetic dentistry options with your dentist. Look at before and after pictures, and ask your Wasilla dentist what procedures may be right for you.

General dentists offer a variety of Wasilla dental services such as tooth extractions and tooth fillings, and can treat every member of the family. At Excellence In Dentistry, we specialize in cosmetic dentistry, restoring smiles and placing dental implants.

You have many choices for your Anchorage family dentistry. We welcome questions about all aspects of our Excellence In Dentistry practice. Visit us at 1000 East O’Malley, Suite 101 in Anchorage and talk to a member of our caring team.

Visit our Anchorage dentistry website at http://www.AnchorageSmiles.com

In Anchorage, Alaska a dentist’s office is sometimes seen as a painful and scary place. Excellence In Dentistry located at 1000 East O’Malley, Suite 101, Anchorage, Alaska 99515 tries to discourage that image with a caring staff and qualified dentists. However, endodontic therapy, a dental procedure commonly known as a root canal, still carries a strong association with pain that sometimes keeps people from regularly visiting the dentist and tending optimally to their oral health.

When a tooth becomes badly infected or decayed, a qualified dentist in Alaska can clean the inside of the tooth by removing the bacteria, soft tissue (called pulp), decayed nerve tissue, and any debris that may be causing the tooth infection from the inside of the tooth. Your qualified dentist will then seal the tooth to prevent further decay and finish by applying a crown or filling. This is the process and purpose of a root canal. The process can be completed, typically, in just a few visits to your Alaska dental practice. In many cases, a root canal procedure is a better option than removing the infected tooth since it allows you to keep your natural tooth.

Teeth that are more prone to requiring a root canal procedure in the state of Alaska are cracked or chipped, have received repeated dental procedures, have been damaged by trauma to the face, or are suffering from deep tooth decay. Wearing a mouth guard can help prevent damage sustained to teeth and practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as daily flossing and brushing, coupled with regular dental visits, can reduce the possibility of needing a dental root canal.

Though a root canal can be intimidating or scary, educating yourself and talking to your local Anchorage, Alaska dentist can relieve much of your anxiety. Root canals are often not painful, and for many people the pain of the infection experienced beforehand is worse than any pain that might be experienced during the procedure, and the relief is well worth the trouble.

If you are in the Alaska area you can give Excellence In Dentistry a call at 907-349-0022 to see what we can do for your oral health, beauty and well-being.

Don’t forget to visit us at our online dentistry website at: http://www.AnchorageSmiles.com

Your Anchorage child’s dental health is essential to overall health and vitality. At Excellence In Dentistry, our Anchorage pediatric dentists love working with you and your child to ensure a healthy smile for life. Why? The health of your Anchorage child’s teeth and gums can affect their speech development, eating habits and self-esteem.

Eagle River pediatric dental care is critical, and that is why we recommend bringing your Anchorage child in for a first exam before age one, or when their first tooth erupts. During the initial visit, we can discuss Wasilla dental treatments such as sealants, fluoride treatments, brushing and flossing techniques and Alaska orthodontics.

Eagle River children’s dentists also counsel parents about thumb-sucking, pacifier use and other habits that affect your child’s Anchorage pediatric dental health. We can also help you keep your child’s teeth protected during sporting activities. Call us immediately at 907-349-0022 if your child has a dental emergency or Southern Alaska tooth injury.

Our caring staff will make your child feel comfortable during their Anchorage dental visit.

In addition to offering experienced Anchorage kid’s dentistry, we are also a full-service Alaska dental clinic. We offer advice and care on Southern Alaska lumineers, Wasilla tooth implants, Palmer teeth whitening, Anchorage tooth bonding, and Excellence In Dentistry restorative dentistry.

We hope to be your Anchorage children’s dentist consultant.

Excellence In Dentistry
907-349-0022

Are you one of the many Anchorage TMJ sufferers? If you are affected by Temporomandibular joint or TMJ disorder, you know how the pain and discomfort can impact your life. Excellence In Dentistry TMJ treatment in the Eagle River area has helped countless grateful Anchorage TMJ patients manage their TMJ disorder.

The Temporomandibular or jaw joint connects the lower jaw bone to the skull. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include jaw and facial pain, headaches, earaches, neck pain and chewing difficulty. TMJ disease is often associated with jaw clicking, locking or clenching, and can cause tooth damage and bone loss.

Many Wasilla, Palmer and Southern Alaska TMJ patients first sought a possible TMJ diagnosis after trying unsuccessfully to relieve their frequent headaches. Since opening Excellence In Dentistry in 1987, we have discovered that many people do not realize they have TMJ disorder because it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing the pain. A Alaska TMJ specialist can properly diagnose your specific TMJ issues and recommend an effective course of action.

Because a comprehensive treatment plan is most successful, we work hand-in-hand with a network of Eagle River TMJ specialists including ENT doctors, neurologists and physical therapists. There are many facets to this often misunderstood disorder. If you are suffering from jaw pain, we recommend a consultation with Dr. Kirk Johnson at Excellence In Dentistry in Anchorage.

Excellence In Dentistry

1000 East O’Malley, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK

Anchorage, Alaska 99515

907-349-0022

At Excellence In Dentistry, we take jaw pain seriously.

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘I’d rather have a root canal’ to describe something painful or unpleasant? At Excellence In Dentistry, we perform root canal (endodontic) therapy routinely for our Anchorage dentistry patients and many report minimal discomfort. Eagle River root canal procedures have advanced significantly in recent years. For many Alaska root canal patients, the procedure is no worse than getting a filling from your Excellence In Dentistry dental professional.

At Excellence In Dentistry, our goal is to help our Wasilla, Palmer, and Southern Alaska root canal patients avoid the necessity of Alaska endodontic treatment by providing skilled dental care. However, if root canal therapy is necessary to preserve a tooth for one of our greater Eagle River area root canal patients, we provide the most advanced Anchorage endodontic treatment in Alaska

How do you know if you need an Alaska root canal? See your Excellence In Dentistry dental professional immediately if you experience tenderness or pain, hot or cold sensitivity, tooth discoloration, tooth injury, gum swelling, gum pain, or lymph node tenderness or drainage. However, for some Eagle River endodontic patients, there are no symptoms. That is why it is crucial to visit your local Anchorage endodontic dentist regularly for a thorough Anchorage dental examination.

Call Excellence In Dentistry, at 907-349-0022 to schedule an appointment.

For your health, beauty and well-being

Whether you have lived in Alaska for a long time, or are just moving in to the Anchorage area; taking care of your teeth eventually involves a visit to the dentist. We are Excellence In Dentistry located at 1000 East O’Malley, Suite 101, in Anchorage, Alaska, and our specialty is cosmetic and restorative dentistry.

You can reach Excellence In Dentistry by calling 907-349-0022.

Going to the dentist for the first time in Anchorage, or if you have not been for while, can be an unsettling experience for both kids and adults. The very idea of a ‘dentist’ seems to hold negative connotation for many people. If you are an adult who is moving to the Anchorage area, or your child is preparing to visit the dentist for the first time, here are a few tips that may help ease you into regular dental checkups and put you on the path toward increased oral health and wellness.

Choose an Anchorage dentist who is appropriate for your needs. When you meet your new Anchorage dentist for the first time, make an effort to ask questions about the care you will receive. Ask questions that are relevant to your situation including questions about experience, age range of patients, and recommended procedures for any conditions you may have. Get to know your Anchorage dentist so you feel comfortable with the care you will receive.

Introduce yourself to your Anchorage dentist and get to know the office staff. Visiting the dentist in Anchorage will seem less of a chore when you feel you have trusted friends who are there to help.

Be prepared to provide your Anchorage dentist with information. Whether you are experiencing specific pain at that moment, or anticipating a problem, be sure to discuss everything with your dentist. Many patients become intimidated in the office environment and avoid expressing pain or discussing issues. As your dentist, I need to know everything you are experiencing and will be better prepared to help as you ask questions and express your concerns.

I understand that everyone is unique; what works for one person may not work for another. You know what works best for you, and the best way to have a good experience with an Anchorage dentist is to communicate. Let me know what you are experiencing so that I can make adjustments and help you feel more comfortable and secure.

At Excellence In Dentistry our caring staff will work to make your dental experience a pleasant one. We know it can be frightening to visit the dentist for the first time, or after a long while. We’ll do what we can to make you feel comfortable, secure, and among caring friends.

If you are in Anchorage, Alaska and are ready to visit the dentist again, give us a call at 907-349-0022, or stop by to meet us; we’re excited to meet you.

-For your health, beauty and well-being