Part Five "The Link Between Oral Health and Over-all Health" -Diabetes

This is part 5 of a fantastic series of articles explaining  the link between oral health and overall health. The article was written for dental professionals but really is great. So, please read through and remember to ask our team for any explanations that you may need.
Dr Brian Johnson

 Awareness of Diabetes’ Impact on Other Diseases

The incidence of diabetes is on the rise worldwide. Chronic systemic manifestations of diabetes are primarily seen in the vascular system, with specific issues related to the microvasculature including retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. Oral complications of diabetes include gingivitis, periodontitis, xerostomia and consequently, caries. Diabetes is bi-directional, with uncontrolled diabetes leading to periodontitis and severe periodontitis impacting glycemic control.

A researcher at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, used a written questionnaire to evaluate the attitudes and awareness of patients with diabetes. The 200 subjects were seeking care at the largest diabetic clinic in Benghazi, Libya. The questions related to oral health and oral care.

The majority of subjects, 71 percent, had Type 2 diabetes, with 18 percent reporting Type 1 and 11 percent unsure which type they had. Subjects ranged in age from 17 to 78 years and had diabetes from one week to 40 years.

Dry mouth was experienced by 84 percent of the group. Smokers accounted for 42 percent of the group. The majority had teeth, but 31 percent were edentulous with only 44 percent of them wearing full dentures. Only 17 percent brushed twice daily and only 12 percent reported daily flossing. The dentist was the primary source of information about oral complications of diabetes and oral care. Those reporting oral infections also had high glycemic control scores. Less than 50 percent were aware that dental diseases are complications of diabetes.

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Clinical Implications: Education is needed from both dental and medical professionals addressing the oral complications associated with diabetes and the importance of good oral hygiene and regular dental care.

  The author is Trisha O'Hehir, RDH, MS who is the Editorial Director at Hygienetown Magazine

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/

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/

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

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/

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/

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/

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 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/

Are you missing teeth?

The article was copied from a dental lab's site. Please read all the entire article. It explains in detail options for replacing missing teeth.



There are three basic ways to fix a missing tooth or teeth.

A fixed bridge
A removable appliance
A dental implant

Here are the pros and cons of each treatment:

A fixed dental bridge (see the page on this site devoted to bridgework and how we make bridges look like real teeth.)
Having a bridge is like having three crowns. The teeth on either side of the missing tooth are prepared for crowns, an impression is made, and the case is sent to a dental laboratory. The laboratory then makes the crowns and fastens a false tooth between the two crowns - this is a bridge.


The advantages of a bridge are that it is fixed, stable, and feels like your own teeth. In most cases it can be made to look just like you never had a tooth missing. The disadvantage is that you have to treat two teeth besides the one that was extracted - these teeth may otherwise be perfectly sound with nothing wrong.

A Removable Appliance.
Something removable can be used to replace a missing tooth. This can be anything from a budget "dental flipper" (a piece of plastic with a false tooth attached) or a Nesbit, to a more sturdy metal and acrylic removable partial denture.

The advantages of the removable partial denture appliance are that it is a more economical way to replace missing teeth than a fixed bridge. Also, you can replace multiple teeth with one appliance. If the span of missing teeth is three or more, or if there are not solid teeth on both sides of the missing teeth, a fixed bridge may not work.

The disadvantages are that it may not be as esthetic as a bridge. Clasps will be required to retain the removable partial, and it may not be possible or practical to entirely conceal those (though that problem can be avoided often with a "precision attachment" partial). Also, there may be some discomfort with wearing removable hardware in your mouth, and it is not as stable as a bridge.


A dental implant.
A dental implant is an artificial "root" that is implanted in your jaw after a tooth extraction, and then a tooth is placed on it. Biologically, it is like placing an entirely new artificial tooth in your mouth.

The advantages of an implant are: No teeth on either side have to be prepared for crowns, so there is no grinding on "good teeth" - you just fix the missing tooth. Implants can also span the space of multiple missing teeth. There is no limit to the span they can cover, as long as the patient's health is good and there is healthy and adequate bone to support the implant. An implant also is fixed and feels just like your own teeth.

The disadvantages of implants are that they can cost more and be more and time-consuming, and the cost may not be covered by dental insurance. You will likely have to deal with two dentists - the dentist who does the surgery to place the implant, and the dentist who puts the false tooth on top of the implant. There is also a delay in getting the false tooth or teeth - a healing interval of several months may be required before the artificial root can have a tooth placed on it. There is also surgery involved with its attendant discomfort and healing period.
However, if you are missing multiple teeth or all your teeth, there is a strong advantage to dental implants in that they will preserve the jawbone.

Infomation from http://www.mynewsmile.com/missing.htm

Ignore your teeth, they will go away!

Have you ever heard the expression, "Just ignore it/them, they will go away". This could not be more true of your dental health. Maintaining dental health requires DAILY and sometimes rigorous habits. I practice what I preach. I brush and floss after every meal and at bedtime. I use interdental cleaners every day. I use fluoride rinse. I use a tongue scraper. I get my teeth cleaned three times a year by my dental hygienist.

Good dental hygiene habits are just as important as other health habits and are ignored or forgotten just as frequently. The next time you go to bed without brushing and flossing, just remember this:
Brushing and flossing are only important to the people who want to keep their teeth!

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

Will your friends tell you that you have bad breath?

Your friends may not tell you that you have bad breath... Good oral hygiene habits will help to freshen your breath. Here is a surprise for your. Brushing, flossing are important for fresh breath! Regular brushing and flossing will help to remove the bacteria that causes bad breath from your teeth. We won't even mention here what that same bacteria does to your gums...but I digress. The same bacteria likes to cling to your tongue. You can brush your tongue; but a tongue scraper is far more effective in cleaning the back of your tongue. So, when you go back to your favorite Walmart/Target/drugstore, take a moment in the oral hygiene section to find a few new products to help you freshen your breath!

Sometimes, the cause of bad breath is more complex than just dirty teeth or tongue. It can be periodontal problems, an infected tooth, chronic sinus problems, cancers, oral infections, and ill fitting dental appliances such as dentures. If you think you are doing a good job of daily care and prevention of bad breath, but just can't seem to get rid of it, a visit to our office is probably necessary.

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

Dental insurance...Are we on your "list"? Do you have a "list"?

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, MetLife, Principal, and United Concordia. We accept as out of network providers with Cigna and United HealthCare. We are listed on a couple of "transparent fee" lists : Signature Dental Plan, Aetna Dental Access, PriceDoc.com 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
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

What can you expect at a new patient dental appointment?

Making an appointment with a new doctor or dentist can really be a little bit stressful. We understand that and want to help you rest your fears. It is our hope that from your first contact (usually a phone call) with us, you'll feel more relaxed about your upcoming dental visit. Here are some things that you can expect once you make the appointment as a new patient:

• Welcome email with date and time of your appointment, this email will include an attachment with our health history forms. It is helpful if you can print these and complete them prior to your appointment.


• Email and telephone reminders. As a courtesy, we call 1-2 days prior to all appointments to remind you of upcoming reminders. Please try to call or email us back to verify that you get our messages. You can always reply to any email that you receive from us .


• Warm welcome when you arrive! We try to to give everyone a warm welcome and big smile on arrival. We think that this helps to reduce the stress of going to a new office!


• Insurance information verification. If you provided dental insurance information via the phone call, we will check and copy/scan your dental insurance card.


• Additional paper work. We will give you 3 forms to sign. These a consent for treatment, consent for release of information to insurance companies and trusted professional, ie specialists as needed, and a document stating that you understand that you are responsible for fees not covered by dental insurance. If your insurance is a PPO that we participate in, we are contracted to the fee schedule of that PPO.


• Once all the paper work is completed, you will be welcomed by a member of our clinical staff. We will then take a full set of dental x-rays. This includes 18 images. It seems like alot; but be patient, it is important to get a clear picture of your oral health .


• You will finally meet Dr Johnson. He greet you and ask what your goals are for your oral health and smile. He will then perform a comprehensive oral exam, including periodontal measurements and notations of existing dental restorations. He will then take pictures with an intraoral camera. Lastly, he will present treatment options to you. Feel free to discuss your concerns and questions.


• As you can see, alot happens on this first visit. We schedule plenty of time for you. However, it is important for you to arrive promptly for your dental appointments.

Do I really need to get dental check ups and cleanings two times a year?

We are asked all the time, " Do I really need to get regular dental check ups?" There are many reasons that the answer to that is ABSOLUTELY! These are the things that you can expect to happen on your routine cleaning appointments.

• Health history update. Your mouth is truly the gateway to your health. If you have changes in your health , it is important that Dr Johnson is aware to be able to make a proper diagnosis



• Gum measurements. We measure and record the gum pocket depths. These are the "numbers" that the hygienist calls out or enters in the computer. We are checking pocket depths. Numbers 1-3 are healthy. Numbers greater than that show varying degrees of periodontal disease.



• Scaling of tartar. The registered dental hygienist will scale away all build up of tartar/calculus.



• Polish. The registered dental hygienist will polish away as much staining as possible.



• Oral exam by Dr Johnson. He is looking at the overall health of your mouth, diagnosing oral health concerns/diseases, checking cranial nerve responses, and the health of your teeth. This is your opportunity to express any concerns or questions that you have for him. He needs to know if you are having new problems. He will also review your x-rays and the periodontal exam that was done by the hygienist.



• Dr Johnson and the registered dental hygienist will recommend how often you should get your teeth cleaned/checked. Most people can enjoy a 6 month "recall". If there is periodontal disease, then a 3 or 4 month "recall" may be recommended.

We hope this helps you to understand why it is so important to keep up with your dental check ups. If you have fallen behind schedule, please call today to schedule an appointment.

Debbie Johnson

Dr. Brian Johnson

1240 Upper Hembree Road

Suite C

Roswell, GA 30076

770.993.9809

www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com