How Clean are Your Teeth? How Fresh is Your Breath?

Don't you just love that "fresh from the dentist office" clean and fresh feel? That day, my teeth so clean! I am sure that there is nothing nasty hanging out below my gums to ruin my fresh breath. Unfortunately, the minute I eat, that feeling goes away. I try so hard to brush and floss. I also enjoy things that make my breath not so fresh...coffee, onions, garlic, ....

I must admit that I notice bad breath and discolored teeth. I'm sure that it is because I sit in the dentist office day in and day out. I see the difference of our patients teeth from entering to the last good bye. Believe you me, there is a difference. That's why you go to the dentist, right? Sure, we are taking care of our teeth, but we don't want Yuck mouth.

I was driving one our younger patients in a carpool recently and noticed that her teeth looked stained. I told her she was due for a cleaning. She said, "I know, it is just hard. I don't want to miss school, and I can't miss swim practice". Even young people have scheduling issues. This young person is one of my person favorites, she is our DAUGHTER! Yes, it is even hard for us to manage good cleaning schedules!

Debbie Johnson
Brian Johnson
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
(770)993-9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Roswell Dentist is FaceBook Official!

You can hardly turn on the television or radio without hearing about FaceBook or hearing "follow us on Twitter". Debbie has worked very hard to connect with our patients on FaceBook, Twitter, and Linked In. We have decided to focus our efforts on connecting with our patients through our FaceBook fan page and Dr Johnson's Linked In profile.

If you were previously a "friend of Brian D. Johnson", and had not "liked Brian D. Johnson, DMD", we want you to know that Debbie shut that personal page down and is focusing her efforts on building the business fan page. Please like us there!

Make it FBO(FaceBook official)!

We Want Your Halloween Candy on November 1!

Halloween will be here before you know it! Many of you may have even started to buy your Trick or Treat candy. We had such an overwhelming response from our patients and community last year with our "Halloween Candy Buy Back" program, we can't wait to do it again.  The official date of the "event" is Tues November 1. We will accept candy all that week.

When the kids get back from Trick or Treating, let them choose some candy to keep and then bring a bag of candy to us for our Halloween Candy Buy Back campaign. Once again, we will collect candy and send it to our service men and women honoring and serving our great country. Please consider joining us. We sent out over 150 pounds of candy last year and would be thrilled to send more this year!

If you or a family member is a patient of record, will pay the child/children donating their candy $1 per pound of candy. We would be thrilled if they would write a short note on a card to include in the packages. We would love for you to share this with your friends and neighbors. Please just tell them that we will only pay children. Technically, this is a service partnership for us with our patients and their families, not a money making opportunity for others.

All that being said, we welcome you to tell your friends and neighbors that we will gladly ship their DONATED candy. Share the FaceBook post, forward this link/email...have fun with it! It is a win/win. The kids will have fun Trick or Treating, eat a few favorite pieces of candy, and send a smile to someone who might need it!

Poor Oral Hygiene is an Equal Opportunity Habit

Poor oral hygiene knows no boundaries. We see poor oral hygiene habits in young people, old people and every age in the between. We see poor habits in men and in women. We see poor habits in wealthy people and poor people and every socioeconomic group in between.
Some people do not brush properly. Some do not brush at all. Some do not floss routinely or at all. Some do not make seeing a dentist a priority. Some eat sticky candy and are surprised that their teeth are breaking down. Some drink sodas all day and wonder why they have rampant tooth decay.Some people are surprised that they probably will outlive their teeth because of their bad habits.

Simple positive practices performed consistently will produce positive results. Simple.
If it has been a while since you saw a dentist, please call today to begin a new healthy habit.

Brian D. Johnson
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Gum Disease and His Best Friend, Heart Disease

Gum disease simply is swelling/inflammation of the gums/soft tissue around the teeth. It can be caused by bacteria in plaque that forms on your teeth. Bacteria produces toxins that are released into your blood stream. The early stages of gum disease are reversible. Left untreated, gum disease can and will lead to bone loss.

This is pretty dry reading( and writing). The thing is, it is important for your overall health to make sure your gums are clean and healthy. If you don't, inflamed gums can lead to or make heart disease worse. It can contribute to autoimmune diseases like diabetes. Gum disease is as silent as heart disease. If you don't floss your teeth on a regular basis, and you haven't seen a dentist in over a year, you very likely have some degree of gum disease. Some people just tend to build tartar more quickly and readily than others. You might be one of the lucky ones and have really healthy gums and not floss or see a dentist. You might not be. Gum disease is easy to treat if caught in the early stages. If left untreated, you can lose your teeth. It is that simple. Not pretty , but simple.

Please call our office today to visit us. Our fabulous team of dental assistants, dental hygienists, and of course, Dr Johnson will take care of you.

Debbie Johnson
Brian Johnson, D.M.D.
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Use Your Google Powers For Good, Become a Super Hero!

I am a total Google nut. I admit it. Recovery starts with admitting the problem, right?
I love to send shout outs to my favorite restaurants, doctors, service providers, etc. If you love need to share your opinions with others, all you need is a Gmail account and you too can be on your way to reviewing to your hearts content. Don't have one? It takes about 2 minutes to set one up. It will make you happy, I promise. It is a great tool. You can also save map searches to retreaved anytime you need it. You can use it to set up a blog. The list just goes on and on. Those Google Places reviews are my favorite though.

As a matter of fact, I want for our office to be your first review. Please go to our Google Places page and let the world know why and how you love coming to your dentist. If you have something less than wonderful to say, please call me first...
Be warned, this can become an addiction. You will feel like a super hero...and you will certainly be our hero. Thanks for your time!

Breaking News....Rampant Tooth Decay Has Hit Roswell GA

We have seen an unusual amount of tooth decay especially in the teens -30 year olds.
Why? This is what we find when we ask them about their everyday habits.

• Lifestyle habits- we hear that they don't brush and floss enough or at all.
• Diet habits- they drink way too many soft drinks. Drinking anything that has sugar, and carbonation puts your teeth as risk. This includes sparkling water, and diet sodas. This age group seem to be sugar junkies and love sticky candy. The sticky stuff gets in the grooves of the teeth and has a feast on your enamel.
• Eating late at night after they have brushed their teeth, and not rebrushing.
• Infrequent visits to the dentist. Early intervention is key. Small cavities become bigger cavities. Big cavities become crowns. Crowns become root canals. Failed root canals become missing teeth. Missing teeth are EXPENSIVE to replace.

If you haven't visited your dentist in the last six months, pick up your phone right now and call. We are ready to help you and educate you about your dental health. Are you ready to change your ways? Do you want to have a beautiful smile?

Brian D. Johnson
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

What Does a Piece of Bacon Have to Do With a Dental Practice?

I cooked bacon for the family this weekend. Our son complained that it was too salty.He wanted to know what kind it was and where I got it. I bought the "store brand". It looked pretty good and cooked up nicely. When I sat down to eat my bacon and eggs, I realized he was right. It was way too salty.

I have both the pleasure and obligation to interact with other dental offices every week. Some are a joy to interact with. Some, not so much. The specialists that we use are considerate of our time, our patients' needs, and are a pleasure to work with. On occasion, patients decide to choose an alternate provider for orthodontic, endodontic, periodontic, and oral surgery services. Generally, my interactions with those offices leave a bad taste in my mouth. I have been tempted more than once to call the dentist directly to let him know how I/my patient was treated. Of course, sometimes, it is the dentist that is the problem. Generally, I am interacting with a receptionist or an office manager. Let's just say, I think I could teach a customer service course...kind of  a Chick Fil A class for dental professionals.

While my bacon looked good before and after cooking, it just didn't cut the mustard. We encourage you to use the professionals that we trust. There is a reason. Trust me. If you are looking for a family dental office who will try to make you feel welcome and comfortable, accept my personal invitation for call our office today. You will be happy you did. I can almost guarantee it. As Chick Fil A employees say, "It Will Be My Pleasure"!

Debbie Johnson

Brian D. Johnson
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770-993-9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

Save Your Teeth and A Few Calories

There are more reasons to skip the late night snack than just to watch your waistline. A study has shown people who eat late at night lose their teeth younger and lose more teeth than folks who go to bed hungry. Why? I imagine that they are eating after they brush with their bedtime routine. Your saliva is also slowing down -- so the food isn't being broken down.
So, save your teeth , and your waistline. Go to bed hungry. If you wake up hungry at 2:00, reach for a glass of plain water. You'll have sweeter dreams, anyway!

Oral Surgery For the Johnson Family

Our son had his wisdom teeth removed this week. Dr Mark Chishom and his fabulous staff were wonderful and caring.  The process began a couple of weeks ago when we went in for the initial consultation. We were able to complete the new patient forms online before the visit...I was ENVIOUS of this great feature. It is now on my radar for our office. Brian and Will arrived at the front desk of Dr Chishom (Crabapple Oral Surgery) welcomed by Miriam, Pam, and Taylor ( Dr Chishom's daughter). Brian said they were in the waiting room for just a few minutes before being called back for the panoramic x-ray. At this time, they met Kim, Rebe, and Lindsay, Dr Chishom's very capable and professional surgical assistants.  Next, they watched a video for pre-op expectations. Dr Chishom  came in to examine Will and made him feel welcome and relaxed. They talked about high school among other things. Finally, Vicky, Dr Chishom's office manager, helped us to schedule his surgery date on the phone with Debbie. That is alot of things going on for a initial visit right? Clearly, Dr Chishom feels that the pre-op visit is important. We couldn't agree more. We felt prepared and at ease.

Yesterday, I took Will for his procedure. Once again, we were welcomed into the reception room and soon brought back into the surgical room. Kim got Will all hooked up to the monitors, covered him up with a blanket, and had him laughing! Rebe came in to start his I.V. which she did before he even know that she had a needle. Kim, Rebe, and Lindsay were all so friendly and kind. I was able to stay with him until Dr Chishom  came in. I went out to the waiting room; and barely had time to catch up on emails before he came out to tell me that he was finished and I could come back while Will woke up. I watched a post op instruction video and was given a post op pack of gauze dressings, and handy dandy ice pack with Dr Chishom's logo, and a prescription for pain medicine. We walked him out to the car and was home in no time.

The pain and swelling was minimal. Will was hungry almost immediately; no surprise there! I stayed home with him and had plenty of cold, soft foods on hand. We replaced the ice packs and gauze packing as needed during the day. He took his Aleve for pain and only needed the Lortab twice yesterday. I came back to work at our office today and he is doing great!



Dr. Mark Chishom is a native of Columbia, SC. Dr. Chishom is an honor graduate from The Citadel where he received a bachelor of science degree. He earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine as a Summa Cum Laude graduate of The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston in 1994. Dr. Chishom completed his Oral and Maxillofacial residency at The Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Chishom is a former state board examiner for the state of South Carolina in Oral Surgery and holds National Board certifications in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Anesthesiology. Dr. Chishom maintains memberships in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the National Dental Society of Anesthesiology. Dr. Chishom, along with his former partner founded the South Carolina Academy of Advanced Implant Studies. Dr. Chishom has lectured extensively to his colleagues on various subjects in oral surgery and anesthesia.


Dr. Chishom's professional interests include: Dental implants and reconstruction, Pathology, and Orthognathic surgery.

Dr. Chishom proudly served in the United States Army as an Oral Surgeon before he was honorably discharged. He has been in private practice in since 2000. He is married to Dr. Patrice Chishom, a pediatrician who also practices in Atlanta. He is the proud father of three children. His hobbies include: Golf, soccer, and landscaping. Dr. Chishom is an active member of his Church and community.

Dr Chishom has taken care of many of our patients who have given him glowing and well deserved praise that match our experience. We are happy to have Dr Chishom and his practice in our community.

Debbie Johnson
Brian D. Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

How Safe Are Dental X-Rays?

We are asked almost weekly about the safety of our digital x-rays. I ran across this article by Colgate that I think answers many frequently asked questions.

How Often Should Your Teeth Be X-rayed?


Even though no X-ray can be considered routine, many people require X-rays on a regular basis so that their dental condition can be monitored. Exactly how often this happens will depend on your medical and dental history and current condition. Some people may need X-rays as often as every six months. For others, X-rays may not be needed for as long as two years. In patients with no recent dental or gum disease and who visit the dentist regularly for check-ups, X-rays may be taken only every five years or so.


Who needs more frequent or regular radiographs?

Children - Many children need X-rays every six months to one year, depending on age, because they are highly likely to develop caries. X-rays also help monitor tooth development.

Adults with extensive restoration work, including fillings - All the conditions that helped create the caries to begin with continue, making it necessary to check for decay beneath existing fillings or in new locations.

Anyone who drinks sugary sodas, chocolate milk or coffee or tea with sugar - Even mildly sugary beverages create an environment in the mouth that's perfect for decay, so anyone who drinks these beverages regularly will need to have more regular X-rays.

People with periodontal (gum) disease - Periodontal treatments may need to be stepped up if there are significant or continuing signs of bone loss.

People who are taking medications that lead to dry mouth, also called xerostomia - Saliva helps keep the acid levels (pH) in the mouth stable. In a dry mouth, the pH decreases, causing the minerals in the teeth to break down, leaving them prone to caries. Medications that can decrease saliva are those prescribed for hypertension, antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, antihistamines, diuretics, narcotics, anticonvulsants and anticholinergics.

People who have dry mouth because of disease, such as Sjögren's syndrome, or because of medical treatments that damaged the salivary glands, such as radiation to the head and neck for cancer treatment.

Smokers, because smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease.

I hope that you find this helpful.

Brian D. Johnson, DMD
1240  Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Roswell Dentist Talks About Sports Mouthguards

There has been alot of press given to sports medicine these days. The potential for oral injuries is so great that a study done by the Academy for Sprts Dentistry found that every athlete in contact sports has a 10% chance every season for sustaining an oral or facial injury; the chance increases  33% to 56% over the course of an athletic career. Not only can these injuries be disfiguring, they also cost precious practice and play time.
Like everything else, prevention is key. Mouthguards can help prevent these injuries by protecting the hard tissue of the teeth and jaw bones as well as the soft tissue. Most athletes wear some sort of mouthguard. Unfortunately, many times the guard is ill fitting. The local sports mart carries one layer mouthguards and these do not provide adequate protection. Higher quality mouthguards are certainly more expensive, although less than the best quality guards custom made by dentists. One other option is a multi layer mouthguard. These can be ordered online. Of course, the best mouthguard won't work if left sitting in the sports bag. So, regardless of your age or sport, get a proper fitting, high quality mouthguard and WEAR IT!

Brian D. Johnson
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Top Ten Jobs Who Should Brush Their Teeth After Lunch

It is so hard to make time to brush and floss after lunch! It is probably especially important for some portion of the population  to make time to brush and floss after the mid day meal. Can you imagine visiting these folks after they have had Garlic Shrimp for lunch?
Do you agree with our list?

1. Dentist
2. Dental Hygienist
3. Priest
4. Massage Therapist
5. Doctor
6. Nurse
7. Stay at Home Mom
8. Nail Technician
9. Salesperson
10. Husband/Wife

Debbie Johnson
Brian D. Johnson, DMD
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240  Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Once Upon a Time...

Once upon a time a Prince was born. He was a precocious and wouldn't listen to any body's advice. He grew up,  and had the best the kingdom had to offer to eat and drink. He didn't like vegetables and never ate them. He didn't like to drink plain water and drank only ale and wine. He never brushed his teeth. He never flossed his teeth. He never saw a dentist. He developed terrible gum disease and had rampant tooth decay. The kingdom dentist could only pull his teeth because that was the dentistry of the time. His teeth fell out and he could only eat mush.

The moral of the story: Listen to good advice, drink fresh water, eat fresh fruits and vegetables,  brush and floss your teeth. Seriously.

Debbie Johnson
Brian D. Johnson DMD
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Do You Have Dental Baggage?

It seems that we hear almost every day patients telling us that their spouse won't go to the dentist because of a bad experience. It is understandable to shy away from any experience if the last time wasn't pleasant. To put it in perspective, think about a hair cut. Most of us have had a bad hair cut. Most of us also do not stop getting hair cuts because of that. We just find a different hair stylist.
So, if you had a bad experience at a dentist, keep trying to find someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. If anxiety is part of the problem, we have several options to help you. It is always nice to hear a great  referral when choosing a new dentist or doctor. We ask our patients to give us feedback and want you to see what they say. Have a look at what one patients said.  If you would like to see what others are saying, click on this link for other testimonials.

 Exceptional Dentistry!

If you want exceptional dental care, expert cleanings and superb customer service.....then visit this practice!
Brian Johnson has put together a team of professionals who care for their patients' every need. I am pleased to add my voice to the many other patients who sing the praises of this dental office. All dentists are NOT the same...so treat yourself to the best! ~Pam P

Debbie Johnson
Brian D. Johnson, D.M.D
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Time is Ticking Away

We make every effort every day to maintain a tight schedule around here. Why is that? We know that your time is precious; and we are guessing that you don't want to waste any of it sitting in our very comfortable waiting area. We schedule ample time for each and every appointment from regular cleanings to complex restorative work.

The thing is, for our scheduling magic to work, we need our patients to value our time as well. We need for you to be punctual for your appointments. If you are just 5-10 late for your appointment, that tends to trickle down and effect every one's appointments.
How can you help us manage our schedule and keep the magic going for everybody?

• allow time for traffic delays
• turn your cell phone off
• put your appointment in your calendar on the correct day and time
• just show up on time

Debbie Johnson
Brian D. Johnson, D.M.D.
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Are Your Gum Measurements Lucky Numbers?

We see numbers everywhere, every day. There are lottery numbers, lucky numbers, sleep number beds, ages, addresses, and phone numbers. Your gums have numbers too. When you visit our office, Dr Johnson or the hygienist will exam your gums and measure the "pocket depth" and call out a bunch of numbers. We do this every visit on every adult. Why do we think this is so important? Well if your gum measurements are  1-3mm, you are doing a good job cleaning your teeth on a regular basis. If they are 4-5mm, you have some work to do. You need to go get new floss and interdental cleaners; and, then get busy changing your oral hygiene routines. If the numbers are 6mm or above, you have a problem. At this point , tartar has built up and hardened. Many times it is well below the gum line. This means, even if you started brushing and flossing like crazy, you won't be able to remove it. This "plug" of calculus is
trapping bacteria in your gums. If the numbers are about about 7 or 8 , you may already be in danger of losing your teeth due to bone loss.

So, you see, regular visits to the dentist really is important. Some people seem to be  genetically programmed to build up plaque and calculus and require cleanings 3-4 times per year. Some can get by with 2 times per year. The important thing is to find out what your numbers are!

Call us today to make your cleaning appointment. If you are looking for a dentist, we welcome you to see what our patients think of us. Our patient testimonials are available for review.

Brian Johnson DMD
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
(770)993-9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Dental Insurance FAQs...

We are asked often what dental insurance plans we participate in and what plans we recommend. So , here goes...

We participate in Aetna PPO, Ameritas,Blue Cross Blue Shield, Delta Dental, Guardian, and Principal. We accept as out of network providers with Cigna, MetLife and United HealthCare. We are listed on a couple of "transparent fee" lists : Signature Dental Plan and GE Wellness.

Some employers who provide these plans : United Postal Service(Aetna), ADP(Aetna),MedAssets (Aetna), Fulton County BOE(Ameritas), Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta(Metlife), Microsoft Corporation (Blue Cross Blue Shield), Equifax (Aetna), Hewlett Packard ( Deltal Dental), Wendy's/Arby's Group ( Blue Cross Blue Shield).

Regarding the question of what insurance plan we recommend... that depends. If your employer offers options of dental coverage, then hopefully they are paying for a significant part of your deductible. If they offer choices, opt for comprehensive care that allows you to choose your own dentist. Stay away from "DMO" plans. These plans require you to select a dentist on their list and do not provide "out of network benefits" . We do not and WILL not sign up for DMO plans. If they offer a PPO option, that is usually safe because you can go "out of network" and still be o.k. In addition, we participate in many PPO plans. Most "open" plans allow you to go to your dentist of choice.


Are you unemployed, self employed, or retired and don't have dental insurance? No problem. I do not recommend that anybody pays the expensive premiums for dental insurance. Dental insurance is very different from medical insurance. It is financially irresponsible to not have health insurance. Not so for dental insurance. The average person only needs two cleanings and maybe a filling or two per year. The amount that you would pay for dental insurance premiums would likely exceed the amount that you would pay as a fee for service patient. Additionally, we offer as a courtesy to our patients a "fee for service" adjustment. The amount varies from 10-15% depending on payment method.
As always, I am happy to help you understand your dental benefits. I'm just a phone call or email away.
Debbie Johnson


Brian Johnson DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Choosing a Dentist

What is important to you choosing a dentist? Location, type of practice, insurance, office hours? We pride ourselves on running a low volume practice. This allows us to get to know each patient. Many times we run into our patients in the grocery store, at the ball field, at school functions, and all over our community. Customer service is important to us and we think it shows in how we serve our patients. Please take a moment to browse through some of our patient testimonials to see what they say. We are excited and proud to read each of them.


How do you choose a dentist? This can be very stressful. Many people ask their friends who their dentist is and if they recommend them. If you have just moved and can't do that, we welcome you to see what our patients say about us. You can click on this link to read all of our recent reviews.
I have included one from a patient here:

I have seen Dr. Johnson and his staff three times over the past year. I have seen him for two cleanings and I had my very first filling in 28 years a few months ago. I was extremely nervous but Dr. Johnson and his staff made me feel very comfortable and attended to my every need. I would without a doubt recommend this dental office to everyone! Dr. Johnson is a very kind and gentle dentist. When you walk in Debbie greets you like you have known her for years! The rest of the dental team have great personalities and are just the absolute best! LOVE these guys!! :)

Some need to use a dentist within their dental insurance network. We understand the need to maximize dental benefits and participate in many dental insurance PPO plans. If you don't see our name listed on your plan, we encourage you to call our office anyway.
 
So, if you have just moved to the area and need to find a new dentist, or just need to find a different office for other reasons; we hope that you will call to see how easy we can make it for you. We welcome you!
 
Debbie Johnson
 
Brian D. Johnson DMD
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Celebrating 20 Years of Marriage and Dentistry

Debbie and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary this month. I celebrated a different kind of anniversay as well. I graduated from Medical College of Georgia in May 1990.  In January 1991, I bought into a dental practice in Roswell, GA. Since that time, I have continued in the same practice. My practice has certainly changed over time. I started out as an associate dental to Dr John Mathews. Soon after, practiced in a partnership until 1999. Since that time, I have practiced alone. We relocated the practice in 2008. We have watched the North Fulton area change along the way.

It has been my pleasure to serve the dental needs of my community for the last 20 years. I look forward to the next phase of my practice!

Brian D. Johnson, DMD
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240  Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Changing of the Toothbrush

Hopefully you know to change your toothbrush...every 3 months. Do you know why? Beyond the obvious that it gets worn out, the toothbrush also can trap bacteria.
A few reasons to toss the old brush:

• you get a canker sore
• you get an oral herpes lesion
• strep throat
• a recent bout with the flu or cold

While it may seem costly to change your toothbrush so frequently, it is far better than missing days of work due to illness.

On a side note, you should NEVER share toothbrushes with anyone! See above for reasons.

Brian D. Johnson, DMD
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/
770.993.9809

Free Teeth Whitening - Roswell Dentist Summer Special

Every week for the rest of the summer, we will have a drawing for a free at home teeth whitening.

How can you get your name in the drawing? Refer your friends!

When they schedule and come in for their new patient appointment, we will put your name in the drawing. . Your name will be entered every single time you send us one of  your friends. Already have a kit? We'll give  you a free refill kit!
Clearly, this extra special offer is for our patients only. If you become a patient, then you can qualify as well!
I'm guessing almost every one of our patients knows one person who needs a dentist and is embarrassed to to admit that they haven't visited one in too long. You can help your friends...give them back their smile and brighten yours at the same time!

We try to make it easy to refer your friends...forward any email you get from us, share our FaceBook posts, heck you can even just say to friends, coworkers, neighbors, playgroup friends..."I have a great dentist!"

Debbie Johnson
Brian D. Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com
770.993.9809

Secret to Fresh Breath...Shhhh!

I am letting you in a well kept secret to have the freshest breath possible. Ready?

• Brush and floss your teeth
• Clean your tongue
• See your dentist and dental hygienist as recommended.
• Drink plenty of water

Pretty complicated...


Debbie Johnson
Dr Brian Johnson
1240  Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Is Your Tongue Like a Shaggy Carpet?

I ran across this article on bad breath and oral health. I think it is quite good.
Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

According to WebMD:

Don't let your tongue become a dirty carpet.

Bad breath often strikes when people aren't properly taking care of their oral health. The odor is usually caused by decaying food particles and bacteria in your mouth. That's why brushing and flossing your teeth is so important, but don't forget to gently brush your tongue to get rid of even more bacteria.



A clean tongue goes a long way to warding off bad breath, says Stephen Z. Wolner, a dentist in private practice in New York City. "Your tongue microscopically is like a shaggy carpet. There are millions of filaments on your tongue that trap tiny food particles and bacteria," he says. Get in the habit of regularly cleaning your tongue using a toothbrush, the edge of a spoon, or a tongue cleaner. If you have any mouth guards or oral devices, make sure to clean them thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth.



Mouthwash isn't a bad idea, but it's only a temporary fix. Granted, a little mouthwash comes in handy before a romantic dinner for two, but it masks the odor instead of tackling the source of your problem.



Chew gum like it's going out of style.

Believe it or not, saliva is your best weapon against bad breath. That's why dry mouth, often caused by certain medications or medical conditions, leads to odor problems. By washing away food particles and bacteria, saliva helps to eliminate odor, too.



If you're wondering why your breath stinks in the morning, it's largely because saliva production slows while you sleep, allowing particles and odor to linger longer. That's where sugarless gum comes in handy, as chewing it will stimulate saliva production. Mints, on the other hand, don't usually stimulate saliva production and only temporarily mask bad odor.



"When you chew gum it makes you salivate, and the more saliva you have in your mouth the fewer bacteria you have. It not only mechanically washes bacteria out, but we have antiseptic and enzymes in our saliva that kill bacteria," says Wolner.



While anything that makes you salivate will improve your breath, a gum that is sweetened with xylitol is your best option. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that not only increases salvation but also works to prevent bacteria from replicating in the mouth.



Choose cinnamon -- it's sweeter.

A recent study of the cinnamon-flavored gum Big Red found that cinnamon might have breath-odor fighting abilities. Unlike other flavors, cinnamon is not just a cover-up, Wolner tells WebMD. In fact, he says, an ingredient in the flavoring appears to actually decrease the bacteria in your mouth. The only problem is that sugar gums are bad for your teeth, so stick to sugarless cinnamon-flavored gum instead.

Roswell Dentist Speaks Out on Bad Breath

What do Barney, Puff the Magic Dragon, Norbert ( Harry Potter), Elliot(Pete's Dragon), and Mushu (Mulan) have in common? Why they are all dragons, of course! So,...logic would tell us that they should have dragon breath. Let's let them have their claim to fame!
People shouldn't have dragon breath. It is not pleasant and can be a symptom of medical and dental conditions that require a visit to your doctor or dentist. The most common cause of bad breath is simply bacteria. Nice, right? Bacteria lives all over our body; but loves our mouths. Think about it, our mouths are dark, damp, and provides a food source for the pesky microbes. Guess what, bacteria in themselves don't smell. Only their waste products. Great. Here are some words for you to chew on , so to speak...

•Cadaverine - the smell we associate with corpses.

•Putrescine - the compound responsible for much of the foul odor produced by decaying meat.

•Skatole - the characteristic smell of human fecal matter.

•Isovaleric Acid - the smell of sweaty feet.
 
These all can be present in your mouth. Feel like running and brushing and flossing. I know I do just reading this!
 
Not to worry. Excellent home oral hygiene and regular visits to your dental hygienist will be a great step toward fresh smelling breath!

Brian D. Johnson, D.M.D.
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 3076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Roswell Dentist- Tonsil Stones , One Cause of Bad Breath

I would probably never have thought to write about "tonsil stones" if our daughter had not run downstairs completely grossed out that something had fallen out of her tonsils. I have had the pleasant experience of this happening to my wife; but it was before the wonderful world of the internet. At that time, we figured it was gone never to be seen again...

After a quick Google search, I realized that these little white/yellow bits of nastiness that fall out of tonsils are called "Tonsilloliths", or "Tonsil Stones". According to WebMD,

What Causes Tonsil Stones?

Your tonsils are filled with nooks and crannies where bacteria and other materials, including dead cells and mucous, can become trapped. When this occurs, the debris can become concentrated in white formations that occur in the pockets.

Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are formed when this trapped debris hardens, or calcifies. This tends to occur most often in people who suffer from chronic inflammation in their tonsils or repeated bouts of tonsillitis.

While many people have small tonsilloliths that develop in their tonsils, it is quite rare to have a large and solidified tonsil stone.

What Are the Symptoms of Tonsil Stones?

Many small tonsil stones do not cause any noticeable symptoms. Even when they are large, some tonsil stones are only discovered incidentally on X-rays or CT scans. Some larger tonsilloliths, however, may have multiple symptoms:

Bad breath . One of the prime indicators of a tonsil stone is exceedingly bad breath, or halitosis, that accompanies a tonsil infection. One study of patients with a form of chronic tonsillitis used a special test to see if volatile sulfur compounds were contained in the subjects' breath. The presence of these foul-smelling compounds provides objective evidence of bad breath. The researchers found that 75% of the people who had abnormally high concentrations of these compounds also had tonsil stones. Other researchers have suggested that tonsil stones be considered in situations when the cause of bad breath is in question.

Sore throat . When a tonsil stone and tonsillitis occur together, it can be difficult to determine whether the pain in your throat is caused by your infection or the tonsil stone. The presence of a tonsil stone itself, though, may cause you to feel pain or discomfort in the area where it is lodged.

White debris. Some tonsil stones are visible in the back of the throat as a lump of solid white material. This is not always the case. Often they are hidden in the folds of the tonsils. In these instances, they may only be detectable with the help of non-invasive scanning techniques, such as CT scans or magnetic resonance imaging.

Difficulty swallowing. Depending on the location or size of the tonsil stone, it may be difficult or painful to swallow foods or liquids.

Ear pain. Tonsil stones can develop anywhere in the tonsil. Because of shared nerve pathways, they may cause a person to feel referred pain in the ear, even though the stone itself is not touching the ear.

Tonsil swelling. When collected debris hardens and a tonsil stone forms, inflammation from infection (if present) and the tonsil stone itself may cause a tonsil to swell or become larger.

So, it looks like tonsil stones are fairly harmless; but the bad breath that they can cause are troublesome. Warm salt water rinses can help the body to rid the tonsils of the stones and other bad breath causing bacteria. If the problem persists, it is recommended that you see a physician.

Brian D. Johnson, D.M.D
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Roswell Dentist - Team Spotlight, Meet Dr J!

It has my pleasure to talk about our entire team. It seems fitting to complete the series giving you a personal look at Dr Johnson. Dr Brian Johnson is caring dentist. He is also a devoted family man. He happens to be my husband. He puts up with me in the office and at home. Some say that this partnership requires a strong marriage, and there is alot of truth in that that.

• A few reasons his patients and I think he is the best:
• He gives his patients honest dental advice.
• He understands that dental work can be expensive.
• We try our best to create a treatment plan to fit our patients' budget and their long and short term dental goals.
• He always gives a couple of treatment options.
• He teaches and educates each and every patient.
• He does beautiful cosmetic work
• He gives a painless shot...no kidding!
• He offers laughing gas

We get great comments all the time about his technique. Don't believe me, check them out for your self...GREAT PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

Thanks for playing along. What dental questions do you have?

Debbie Johnson
Dental blogger extraordinaire

Brian Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Crazy lady in the dentist office! on Twitpic

Crazy lady in the dentist office! on Twitpic

Do You Have a Personal Trainer For Your Mouth?

If you have every used a personal trainer, you know what they do. They encourage you to take care of your body through regular exercise and a healthy diet. The first time I used one, I felt very self conscious. I was nervous to schedule the appointment. I was embarrassed to let her see how out of shape I was. I hear from NEW patients that they feel that way about going to a new dentist. This is especially so, if it has been a while since they last saw a dentist. They are afraid of what the dentist will think of them and embarrassed that they have waited so long in between visits. For some patients, it has been as long as 10 years since their last dental visit. These are some of the things patients have told us over the years.

• They have been anxious about choosing a dentist.
• They are also nervous about calling the new office.
• They are nervous about getting dental x-rays taken.
• They are nervous that something big will be wrong with their mouth.
• They are nervous about driving to /finding the office.

Here is a little secret, we are probably the least scary people I know. We area great team who are VERY good at what we do. What we do is give you exceptional dental care with exceptional customer service.
We will help you overcome all of the above fears, as well as the ones that live in your own head. 

Want to hear something really scary? Dr Johnson  tells every patient to stay on a regular cleaning schedule. He tells patients to take care of their teeth to the best of their ability. Not so scary? I didn't think so. Just think of us as your personal trainer for your mouth! Don't wait another day to meet us!

Debbie Johnson

Brian D.Johnson D.M.D.
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Put the Oxygen Mask on Yourself Before Your Children

Every time I fly, I hear the "if the oxygen masks fall, please put your oxygen mask on first before helping any small children". This flies in the face of all that a parent holds dear. We always care for our children before ourselves.

We see this in our office as well. Parents bring their children in with braces on their teeth. They pull into the parking lot almost on 2 wheels trying to balance ballet, baseball, football, and music lessons. We all do these things because we want them to have the best and be well rounded. When we recommend treatment for the parents, many times they say it is just not in the budget. Ballet, baseball, and music lessons add up.

However, some times you should put the oxygen mask on yourself first. You should also take care of your oral health. After all, you only have to take care of the teeth that you want to keep. Which ones do you want to keep?

Debbie Johnson

Brian D. Johnson, D.M.D.,PC
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Teeth Whitening or Teeth Blackening?

Asia is a land full of weird and wonderful customs and rituals. Throughout the continent there are literally thousands of different traditions that remain alive to this day and these customs often stem from religious beliefs that have been faithfully upheld for thousands of years.

A strangely interesting custom that is often misunderstood is the Vietnamese ritual of tooth blackening or tooth lacquering. Tooth blackening is not total uncommon for those Vietnamese people living traditional lives, nevertheless many tour guides still tell tourists the blackening is the result of chewing betel nut.

While this seems very strange to us, Americans have habits that may seem strange to outsiders. Smoking stains teeth badly and can hinder the mouth's ability to heal small lesions.

Of course, many Americans work diligently to whiten our teeth. I wonder what these tribes people would think of some of our cultural practices? Makes you wonder, huh? I personally think a bright healthy smile is universally beautiful!

Debbie Johnson
Brian D. Johnson , D.M.D
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770-993-9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Roswell Dentist -Team Spotlight- Meet Debbie

I would  like to introduce myself. I am Debbie Johnson and married to Dr. Johnson. I  function as the team leader for our practice. Some offices have office managers. I prefer my title because our team functions so well that I don't really manage them, just coordinate. I manage the appointment schedules,  practice financial business, and all advertisement/social media campaigns. I am also the amateur blogger. Mostly, I want to welcome our patients into our family business and help them to feel happy and comfortable while you visit with us.

Our mission is simple. We treat our patients the way we want to be treated. We want to help you to have the best and most healthy smile possible. We have worked very hard in selecting just the right team members and are very proud of them. Every day I get compliments on our great team. We take care of them so that we can all work together to create a pleasant environment for our patients. Laughter is important in our office. Many new patients comment on how comfortable they feel when they leave.

Brian and I have been married almost twenty years and have two children. I have worked in some capacity in our family business since 1999. I laughingly say that this is my third and favorite career. I graduated from the University of Alabama in the Capstone College of Nursing. I have worked in pediatrics my entire nursing career. I have worked at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, Egleston Children's Hospital, Scottish Rite Children's Hospital, and Pediatric Outpatient Surgery Center. My second career was staying home with our children when they were young. I now enjoy full freedom to guide our business. Our children say that I am obsessed with Chick Fil A; but I am mesmerized by their business model and by their customer service.

Call today, it will be "our pleasure to serve you"!



Debbie Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Roswell Dentist -Team Spotlight- Our Dental Hygienist, Samantha

Having a great team is key to the success of any business, and ours is no different. We are very proud of our team . We would like to introduce you to Samantha Adams. Samantha is a Registered Dental Hygienist and has worked with Dr. Johnson for 2 years. She has been a RDH for 20 years! Her patients tell us that she is so gentle and they look forward to their dental cleaning appointments. She does an excellent job of educating our patients on the importance of caring for their teeth and gums. She has an infectious personality and we feel lucky to have her. She is pure Southern Charm!

Samantha has two children and is very busy driving them to all of their soccer events. Look for her on the soccer field!

Roswell Dentist Team Spotlight

Having a great team is key to the success of any business, and ours is no different. We are very proud of our team .
We would like to introduce you to Kimberly Crawford. She is a certified dental assistant and has worked with Dr Johnson as a full time dental assistant for almost 2 years. Kimberly has a wonderful chair side manner and will make you feel relaxed when you arrive at our office! Kim serves everyone with a smile and we are thrilled that she chooses to be part of our team. We can't imagine our day without her!
When she is not working with us, she is busy raising two beautiful children. Many of our patients recognize her from her part time job at Publix on Bethany Road.

Brian D.Johnson, D.M.D
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Crazy cultural dental rituals...

Brian and I were at home last night and saw an episode of Bizarre Foods. Yes, I know that is weird enough on it's own...Brian's choice, not mine...Anyway, the show was about Indonesia. One of the customs of that culture is to file down the canine teeth. I have attached the link. It made my toes curl! The video clip is about 2 minutes long. It might just make you happy to come to the dentist. Pay close attention to the general LACK of cleanliness...of course, that is what we noticed!

Now you know what your dentist watches at night when he is off duty! At least after watching some of those episodes, he is happy to eat whatever is on the Johnson menu for the night!

We hope you enjoy this little quirky bit of cross cultural dental information!

Have you heard of an unusual cultural dental custom?

Debbie Johnson

Brian Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Roswell Dentist- Effects of Eating Disorders on Oral Health

Anorexia and bulimia can damage your teeth in several ways. A bulimic individual engages in a cycle of binge eating and vomiting. The stomach acids in the vomit pass through the mouth and can erode tooth enamel, causing cavities, discoloration and tooth loss. Since teeth appear worn and yellow, a dentist may be the first to notice signs of this eating disorder. Cosmetic dentistry can help correct deteriorated tooth enamel.

In anorexia, semi-starvation deprives the body of the nutrients it needs. Osteoporosis can develop, weakening the bones in the jaw that support teeth, leading to tooth loss.

In both diseases, it is critical to treat the underlying causes that lead to anorexia and bulimia as well as the dental complications resulting from them. While a dentist can correct the deteriorated tooth enamel, he or she cannot treat the actual eating disorder. Should you have an eating disorder —or think you might —talk to your physician.

Thanks to Colgate for this informative article. 

Over the years, I have seen patients who have recovered from purging eating disorders. They deal with the sensitivity associated with the erosion of the enamel. There are some treatments available to assist this

Brian D. Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Are You a Dental Procrastinator?

Most of us are procrastinators when it comes to our dental health. You know the story...you visit the dentist, we tell you that you have some old fillings that are leaking, breaking down, and we see decay around the margins. You should either have them replaced with composite (tooth colored, resin) fillings or even have them replaced with a crown due to extensive decay or cracks. You know you should just pull the trigger and schedule the appointment, but you don't really want to. So, you wait, and wait, and wait. Then you schedule a trip out of town and you break your tooth. All of a sudden, you wish you had just had the work done when you could have planned it. Now you have to wait to get back in town before you can get your tooth fixed.

Please treat your teeth like you want to keep them and take care of your necessary dental work! Trust me, it isn't all that scary...read the last post, "Diary of an Anxious Dental Patient". I did it..and I'm married to the dentist! We have so many distractions that we will be finished before you know it! There are T.V.s at each operatory, headphones with your choice of music, nitrous oxide ( laughing gas), and the best dentist and staff around. So, what you waiting for???Just call and do it!

Debbie Johnson

Brian D. Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Diary of Anxious Dental Patient

I sat down at the dentist office today. He had told me some time ago that I should replace some old fillings. I had waited for a while; but, since I am his wife, I figured that I should practice what we preach. I should mention that I am a TERRIBLE patient. I blame my dentist growing up. He was "rough as a cob" as my Daddy says. I don't require alot of dental work. I guess I could give the same dentist some credit for that. I think I will attribute good genes and my current dentist(my hubbie) for my good overall dental health. I get my teeth cleaned three times a year, but I digress.

I put the bib on, I opted to forgo the nitrous oxide(laughing gas) because I was trying on my big girl pants and didn't want to appear too needy. First, Dr. J applied the topical anesthetic. So far, so good. Then my tongue and throat started to go numb. My childhood memories of the fillings he was replacing started racing through my mind!!!Here comes the shot...not so bad. Now I remember that Dr J, aka Brian, gives an excellent shot. Oh good. Then I sat to let it take effect. A few minutes pass and here HE comes. Leans the chair back, the blood pressure goes up...I should have had Kim snap a picture of me. Head phone on, orange glasses in place, listening to some contemporary praise music, I will get though this! The drill begins, I can't hear the music because my panic is rising! I force myself to breathe in, breathe out, breathe out. What is this? I don't feel any pain! The next thing I know he has applied the new fillings and we are all done. What was I so nervous about? He didn't step on my chest to pull anything, I didn't even feel the shot.

Have you ever felt nervous about anything that was irrational. Take it from me. It ain't so bad...just do it! I now have beautifully white fillings!

Thanks for playing along, and yes it is true!

Debbie Johnson

Brian D. Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

If It Ain't Broke, Should You fix It?

We've all heard the old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". While I agree with it as a general rule, there are exceptions. Your teeth is one such exception. You may be walking around with old fillings that allowing bacteria to take up residence deep inside your teeth. This causes decay and if left untreated, can be a serious source of infection, aka abscess. These kind of infections can leave your tooth/teeth unrestorable. This means that extraction becomes necessary. While dentistry has come a long way in the last 20 years in regard to tooth replacement options, they can be costly and time consuming. A single filling can usually be accomplished in less than an hour and for under $300. If you are lucky enough to have dental insurance, your out of pocket expense will likely be under $100.

So, you may not want to leave well enough alone, you need to decide what is well enough. In many cases, it is already broken to some degree. So just fix your tooth!

Brian D.Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/
770.993.9809

Family Dentistry in the Newly Aging Patient

What does family dentistry mean? In our office, it means that we provide comprehensive dental care to your entire family. It means that our family takes care of your family. It means that we care about our staff like they are members of our family.

We have found that the patient in their fifties and sixties to be very enjoyable and easy to treat. Generally, they have raised their children to an age that they have gained great perspective. With that perspective comes the understanding that they need to take care of themselves and their health. They are enjoying or will be enjoying retirement very soon. Some of our patients have had implants placed recently to replace lost teeth and are thrilled with the results!

Our patients in this age range are aging very gracefully and we learn from all of them! I think we learn more from them than we teach them about oral health! It is our pleasure to serve our patients needs. We hope you have enjoyed the series on Family Dentistry at the various stages of life. Please take a moment to read all of the posts!

Debbie Johnson

Brian D. Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Family Dentistry....Am I Really Middle Aged?

What does family dentistry mean? In our office, it means that we provide comprehensive dental care to your entire family. It means that our family takes care of your family. It means that we care about our staff like they are members of our family. Since family dentistry is so important to our mission statement, we have alot to say about it. Today, our topic is the oral health of our patients in their forties.

When we hit our forties, many things start to fall apart. I'm there. I feel your pain. From a dental perspective, old fillings will start to break down and require either replacement or crown placement. Your life begins to be more stressful. I'm blaming my stress on my teenagers! I hear complaints every day of jaw pain related to teeth clenching and grinding. A simple solution to this is wearing a night guard to prevent night time grinding. Debbie and I both wear them and have seen marked improvement. Besides the jaw pain of grinding, you will also see a gradual wearing of your teeth. So, early intervention is very important.

This is the age group that we begin to see in increase in endodontic problems(root canals). It is really important to take care of these as they become a problem. Left untreated, they will get worse. I promise. While a root canal and crown is expensive, it is still less expensive than what will happen next if left untreated.

Men and women in their forties have the financial stresses of raising a family, paying for the children's activities, clothes, etc. It just seems like everyday expenses take priority over their dental health. We hear all the time how families are paying for expensive sports, schools, etc but haven't budgeted money to care for their teeth. This is unfortunate. We try to offer some payment options for the more expensive procedures.

Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/
770.993.9809

What Does Family Dentistry Mean? "Youth is Wasted on Young Adults"

What does family dentistry mean? In our office, it means that we provide comprehensive dental care to your entire family. It means that our family takes care of your family. It means that we care about our staff like they are members of our family. Since family dentistry is so important to our mission statement, we have alot to say about it. Today, our topic is the oral health of the young adult.
For the most part young adults enjoy the most carefree oral health. They are diligent in caring for their teeth, and generally have a minimal of decay and major restorative needs. This age group just needs encouragement to to keep on keeping on. On occasion, we will need to fill a small cavity or replace an old filling. Oral health during pregnancy is very important and we try to provide the necessary support to our expecting moms.

Brian Johnson DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

What Family Dentistry Means...Teaching Teens

What does family dentistry mean? In our office, it means that we provide comprehensive dental care to your entire family. It means that our family takes care of your family. It means that we care about our staff like they are members of our family.
Since this is at the heart of our mission statement, we have alot to say about family dentistry.
For the most part, teenagers can be prone to tooth decay. This can be due to less than diligent oral hygiene, poor diet choices, or a genetic predisposition to decay. Teens as a general rule don't listen to their parents, even about oral hygiene. Teen should be brushing and flossing ideally three times a day. Most do not comply with this recommendation. Our hygienist routinely encourages our teen patients to improve their habits. Teens make many poor decisions regarding their diet. They love sugary carbonated soft drinks. We try to educate them on the importance of brushing and flossing after enjoying soft drinks. Minimally, they should rinse with water. If teens were lucky enough to receive orthodontic treatment, wearing their retainer as prescribed by their orthodontist is important to preserve their new beautiful smile. If they have a permanent retainer, oral hygiene is imperative to prevent decay from forming around the hardware.

Brian Johnson, DMD

What Does Family Dentistry Mean?

What does family dentistry mean? In our office, it means that we provide comprehensive dental care to your entire family. It means that our family takes care of your family. It means that we care about our staff like they are members of our family.
We are frequently asked when children should begin to see a dentist. While many pediatric dentists will see children as early as one year old, we typically like to see a patient for the first exam and cleaning between three and four years old assuming they are not having a problem. Debbie's background is pediatric nursing and loves to make that first visit a positive experience for our little patients. Don't be upset if we only get an exam accomplished at the first visit. We try to do cleaning; but feel that a positive experience is the primary goal. Most pediatric dentists only do an exam at the first visit and bring them back in a week for the cleaning. We do not attempt to x-rays on that first visit. We will let them see and touch all of the unfamiliar dental instruments that we use. We will "count" their teeth and see "Mr. Thirsty" (the suction). If your child is still apprehensive, we have several pediatric dentists that we can refer to.
We recently saw a three year old. Dr Johnson has treated his mom since she was a little girl. So, we now treat three generations in that family. THAT is family dentistry! If this sound like something that you want to be part of, call to meet our dental care team!

Debbie Johnson
Brian D. Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

What is your dental expense budget?

What is your dental expense budget? The answer to this question for most people is zero. It is no surprise that when a dental emergency happens, the costs seem staggering. Most people don't have an extra $1000 laying around for a crown. As we age, our dental health requires a little more maintenance. So, as you are planning your family budget and/or flex spend account, try to build a little money in for unexpected and planned dental work.

We try to accommodate our patients' financial needs by offering payment options such as accepting credit cards and special dental financing options through lending institutions.

Call today to meet our dental team!
Debbie Johnson
Business Manager
Brian D. Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Roswell Dentist Pampers his Brides and Grooms to-be!

We have several patients getting married this summer. We want their smile to be the best for their special day. We have a special treat for them. They simply need to call or email  to find out what it is. We also want to pamper the mother of the brides and grooms. Everyone's smile should be as bright and sparkly as possible. Can you guess what our gift to you is? A FREE bleach kit, of course!
Call soon to start the process. It takes time to make the custom tray and about 2 weeks of daily bleaching to change your smile. We want you to be picture perfect and are willing to do our part!

Debbie Johnson
Business Manager
Brian D. Johnson, D.M.D.
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Roswell Dentist Accepting New Patients

We welcome new patients!  We want you to know what to expect at our office. When you call to talk to schedule your new patient appointment, we take a moment to ask a few important questions including key health related questions as well as dental insurance information. We will do our best to schedule you as soon as possible for this very important first meeting.  On the first appointment with us, you will be welcomed by our friendly staff, we will ask you to complete our new patient forms (hopefully you will have received them either by email or snail mail) , then we will take a set of 18 digital dental x-rays. Dr. Johnson will then review the x-rays , then come in to introduce himself and do a complete new patient exam. He will measure the pocket depths between your teeth and gums and then take pictures with an intra oral camera to show you your teeth up close and personal. It is our goal to "clean your teeth " on your first appointment with us. However, if you have not seen a dentist in a while , it should come as no surprise that it may take longer and may require a second visit to accomplish this goal. It is important to us to know what your oral health goals are. So be prepared for that question. We get a wide response to that question.

We hope to meet you soon ! Don't wait another day to care for your teeth!

Debbie Johnson
Business Manager
Brian Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Roswell Dentist Tells You How to Look Better, Feel Better, and Live Longer

Want to look better, feel better, live longer? It is simple. Brush you teeth, floss your teeth, eat a well balanced diet, make exercise part of your everyday routine. Wouldn't it be nice if it were easier? That is easy. It is boring; but easy.
How do all these things interact? Let me try to explain. Bacteria lives in your mouth. If you brush and floss regularly, you can manage it. If left treated, the bacteria will cause periodontal/gum  disease. It can also cause tooth decay. Tooth decay left untreated will lead to loss of teeth. Your teeth are important to the structure and function of your mouth and jaw. Once you begin to lose teeth, it changes the way your teeth fit together/occlusion. As the occlusion changes, you may begin to see pain in your jaw and/or excessive wear of the remaining teeth.
Your daily diet is very important. If you routinely drink acidic beverages, your teeth may be suffering for it. This truly lead to the breakdown of the enamel, and subsequently tooth decay. You can have sodas/sparkling water, just drink water after your finish it. However, it is important not to sip on sugary or carbonated drinks all day.

How will taking care of your gums and teeth help to make you healthier? When your body is constantly fighting the bacteria of gum disease, it can get tired. then you can begin to see acute and chronic illness creep in. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease and diabetes. Gum disease is very dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn babies.

Simple practices done consistently will have dramatic results. This holds for diet, oral hygiene, and exercise. So, live well, look better, be happy! 

Dr. Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

Roswell Dentist Now Accepts Delta Dental Insurance

We are frequently asked what dental insurance plans we accept and if we are accepting new patients. One of the plans we accept are the Delta Dental Premier/PPO plans. Many of the larger companies in the area offer this as their dental insurance carrier. We have partnered with Delta Dental for many years and have developed a good working relationship with their team.

They typically cover preventative services at 100%. Regular cleanings/prophys/exams are allowed two times per calendar year. This means that you can decide when during the year to have your check ups done and not worry about the "timing". This is a really nice option. One limitation of many of the Delta Dental plans that they pay only for the silver fillings, which means the patient must pay for the difference between the silver/amalgam and the tooth colored/composite filling. Another limitation is that many times they do not pay for the build up portion of a crown. Most times a build up is necessary for crown retention. So, again , this becomes an additional expense to the patient. Unfortunately, Delta Dental has started delaying approval of pretreatment estimates and dental work. For this reason, we try to have the approval prior to beginning treatment.

I hope this helps to answer some questions regarding your Delta Dental benefits. If you have more questions, please contact me.
Debbie Johnson
Brian D. Johnson DMD,PC
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770-993-9809
www.brianjohnsondmd.com

Roswell Dentist Now Accepts Guardian Dental Insurance

We are frequently asked what dental insurance plans we accept and if we are accepting new patients. One of the plans we accept is Guardian Dental. We have partnered with Guardian for many years and have developed a good working relationship with their team.

They typically cover preventative services at 100%. Regular cleanings/prophys/exams are allowed one time per six months. This means that you have to be careful about the  "timing". One limitation of many of the Guardian plans that they pay only for the silver fillings, which means the patient must pay for the difference between the silver/amalgam and the tooth colored/composite filling. Another limitation is that many times they do not pay for the build up portion of a crown. Most times a build up is necessary for crown retention. So, again , this becomes an additional expense to the patient. Another important limitation that many Guardian plans have is the replacement frequency of crown and bridges. Many times that frequency is as much as ten years.


I hope this helps to answer some questions regarding your Guardian Dental benefits. If you have more questions, please contact me.



Debbie Johnson
Brian D. Johnson DMD,PC
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770-993-9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Roswell Dentist Now Accepts Aetna PPO Dental Insurance

We are frequently asked what dental insurance plans we accept and if we are accepting new patients. One of the plans we accept is Aetna PPO. Many of the larger companies in the area offer this as their dental insurance carrier. Some of those include Coca~Cola, ADP, and UPS.
We have partnered with Aetna for many years and have developed a good working relationship with their team.
They typically covered preventative services at 100%. Regular cleanings/prophys/exams are allowed two times per calendar year. This means that you can decide when during the year to have your check ups done and not worry about the "timing". This is a really nice option. One limitation of many of the Aetna plans that they pay only for the silver fillings, which means the patient must pay for the difference between the silver/amalgam and the tooth colored/composite filling. Another limitation is that many times they do not pay for the build up portion of a crown. Most times a build up is necessary for crown retention. So, again , this becomes an additional expense to the patient.

I hope this helps to answer some questions regarding your Aetna Dental benefits. If you have more questions, please contact me.

Debbie Johnson
Brian D. Johnson DMD,PC
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770-993-9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Roswell Dentist talks about osteoporosis medications and dental health

I recently saw a patient who needed a tooth extracted. She had taken an osteoporosis medication and could not proceed with her dental treatment. Some patients taking that medication develop a condition that prevents healing in the jaw bone; and results in a poor dental health prognosis. Obviously, this is a perfect example of why it is so important that we be notified of all medications that you take. I hope this is helpful.

I ran across this article on the Mayo Clinic's website. Please read below for the  full article.

Dr. Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/


Yes, alendronate (Fosamax) is safe for the majority of people who take it. But it may pose a risk of a rare jaw disorder (osteonecrosis of the jaw) in certain people. The cause of this isn't clear.

Fosamax belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, which are used to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Some bisphosphonates are taken orally, and others are taken intravenously. This class of drugs is also used to treat some cancers involving the bone.


Since 2003, there have been reports of a possible link between bisphosphonates and a rare disorder called osteonecrosis, or "death of bone," involving the jaw — a condition marked by pain, swelling, infection and exposed bone. The majority of cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw involved people with cancer who were receiving chemotherapy and had been given intravenous bisphosphonates to treat cancer that had spread (metastasized) to the bone.


However, a small number of cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw have been reported in people taking oral bisphosphonates — such as Fosamax — for osteoporosis. These have been primarily associated with active dental disease or a recent dental procedure, such as a tooth extraction.


Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a serious disorder. But so is osteoporosis. If you take a bisphosphonate for osteoporosis, don't stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor.


Keep in mind that the risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw due to bisphosphonate use is very low in people without cancer or dental problems. If your doctor recommends a bisphosphonate for osteoporosis, consider getting any needed dental work done before starting this medication. If you currently take an oral bisphosphonate and need a dental procedure, you should discuss this with your doctor and dentist.
Kurt A. Kennel, M.D.

Don't Shoot the Messenger/Dentist

In any industry, the 20/60/20 rule applies. For us, it means this. 20% of people go to the dentist as recommended, schedule and keep their appointments and get the recommended work done to preserve their smiles. They are not afraid of the dentist and don't experience dental anxiety.  20% of people only go to the dentist when something hurts or breaks and only want to pull the troublesome tooth. The remaining 60% sit in the middle on a  continuum. They schedule appointments, change or break them several times before coming in, wait to schedule necessary dental work until the last possible minute, and end up with a long treatment plan. A long ,expensive treatment plan is intimidating.

Dental health is important for so many reasons. Periodontal disease is linked with many other autoimmune diseases, it is also dangerous for pregnant women, and has been shown to factor into heart disease. Dental decay left untreated can harm the adjacent structures, including sinuses, jaw, and even brain. Oral cancer, like all cancer, is best treated with early diagnosis. Missing teeth allow other teeth to move and create occlusion/bite problems. The list goes on and on.

It is so important for people to find a dentist that they trust and follow the recommendations of that dentist. We are pleased to say that most of our patients fit into the 20% who take care of themselves. As we meet new patients, we hope to educate them on that importance. If you are a long time patient, or one of our new patients, and we recommend treatment, please don't shoot the messenger. We are just trying to help. You get to decide where you fit in the 20/60/20 continuum.

Debbie Johnson
Brian D.Johnson,DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
7770.93.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Roswell Dentist Talks About Toothaches

I am a dentist. We are a dental office. Our patients have toothaches. We help them. Usually. What? Well we do help them, but sometimes help isn't pleasant.Sometimes help is a root canal or even an extraction. Too many times, our patients begin to feel pain and/or sensitivity and think they will wait until their cleaning appointment two, three, or four weeks away to follow up. We have even had patients break a tooth or lose a crown or filling and wait too long to call us.

Something to remember is that routine cleaning appointments are scheduled with our registered dental hygienist. These appointments are one hour long and are meant for routine check ups and simple questions. If you develop pain or break a tooth, call our office to schedule extra time with me. While I will see you at your regular check up, I prefer to have plenty of time to diagnose and treat your problem. Many times, we can allow extra time on the day of your cleaning. We just need to know how to plan to help you in the best way possible.


If you have a problem, please call to reserve time to let us help you the right way. My wife's father has a saying "better to kill that snake when it is a baby". Small problems are so much easier  and less expensive to treat. A little bit of a toothache can be a sign of many things . Small fillings are easier to treat than broken teeth. So just call...O.K. What are you waiting on?

Brian D.Johnson,DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Is Dental Insurance a Necessary Benefit?

I get several calls per week asking about advice from self employed and unemployed patients regarding dental insurance. My response is generally that you need to add up and compare the numbers. How much do you have to pay per month for premiums? Then we can calculate the costs of preventative care for your family without dental coverage. Are you or a family member prone to decay? If so, we'd need to include the cost of a filling or two. Do you have any dental restorations that need to be replaced? Keep in mind that dental insurance typically only pays for two cleanings per year. Some people need more than that, so they would be coming out of pocket for any cleanings outside of that allowance. Also, remember that crown and bridge is usually only covered at 50% up to a predetermined yearly maximum. Also, many insurance companies have a missing tooth clause. So, if a tooth was extracted prior to the coverage beginning, they will not pay for restorations to replace the missing tooth. This is called a "missing tooth clause". Sometimes, there are waiting periods for certain procedures.
Lastly, if you are interested in dental implants, insurance usually doesn't provide any benefits for these procedures.
Generally, I find that it is not beneficial to carry dental insurance unless an employer is paying the premiums for the plan. It is important to us that our patients visit us regularly for routine care. Good preventative care is far less expensive than restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

Debbie Johnson
Brian Johnson, D.M.D., P.C.
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Do You Eat Off of Dirty Dishes?

O.K., nobody would consider eating off of dirty dishes. Would you eat off of dishes that were just wiped off? Just rinsed off?  Cleaned partially? ...Would you consider going to bed without  brushing your teeth? Most would reply Nooooo  to all of the above. How about, Would you consider going to bed without flossing your teeth? Now, there is some gray area. "If I'm tired", yada yada yada.

Unless you brush AND floss your teeth at bed time, you are eating off of dirty dishes. Simple daily habits will keep you and your teeth and gums healthy. Brush and floss your teeth, use a daily fluoride rinse, and visit our office on a regular basis. Simple. Effective. Never eat off of dirty dishes(teeth) again.

Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

"There is no reason to dread the dentist..."

Sometimes I sit at the front desk at our dental office and hear things that bear repeating. Today I over heard a patient ask Dr. Johnson "Why do shots not hurt anymore? I have dreaded going to the dentist for years because of my fear of pain. There is no reason to dread dental work anymore." I didn't make it up. Our patient actually said that EXACTLY. He is sitting her getting a crown. He was here in December getting another crown. He had put dental work off for a long time and is now catching up.

Dr Johnson's reply to why shots don't hurt went something like this, "Dental techniques and products are better" You bet they are. Techniques improve with experience. Lots of experience...Dr Johnson surely has that and keeps his ears and brain open to the new products and techniques.

So, if you are like our patient, and have a fear of the dentist office, give us a try. You might just find that you agree with him and overcome your fear and anxiety.

Debbie Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

It's All About the Relationship...

We have many loyal patients and celebrate that loyalty. We enjoy visiting with them, hearing about their lives, children, and jobs. We celebrate their joys and mourn their losses. We pride ourselves that joining our patient list is more than going to the dentist. It is more like visiting an old friend. More than a few patients brag that they were one of my first patients when I was a new dental graduate. I am grateful that they trusted me then and have continued to allow me to serve their dental needs. Those loyal patients have referred many of their friends and helped us to grow our business.
All businesses need to continue to add new customers. Our business is no different. We work very hard to continue to develop deep and trusting relationships with new patients. Of course, relationships rely on chemistry and if the chemistry isn't right, the relationship can't blossom. As I mentioned, we cherish our referrals. With a referral, the trust that we have built with our patient is transferred at least to a degree with a positive referral. Trust is important when your dental health is being discussed. This is especially important when dental work is expensive. Our patients know when I recommend dental restorations, it is truly necessary.

We have also welcomed patients who chose us from their dental insurance list , a Google search, FaceBook posting, and Tweets. I can empathize with the anxiety they must be feeling when they enter our office. A benefit of using a small office like mine ensures that you will see me every time that you visit. Chances are that you will also see the same dental hygienist. Debbie, my wife, works with me and is the voice on the phone most of the time. The bottom line is that you know what to expect. There is very little turn over in staff. We hope our employees are as happy with us as our patients are.
We hope that we can help to alleviate your dental anxiety, answer your questions, and help you to look forward to your next visit. Or, maybe just not dread it too much! Regardless of how our patients find us, we celebrate the opportunity to make and develop relationships!

Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.99.9809
www. BrianJohnsonDMD.com