Lethbridge Dental FAQ About Ryan Johnson, DMD

1. How do I know when it's time to come in for a checkup?

Our Lethbridge dental team work diligently to make sure you'll always know what the next steps are. Your hygienist will help you understand what interval is needed to keep your mouth healthy. We'll schedule your sequential appointment before you leave. We will also send you a card, give you a call or an e-mail when you're due for your next visit. Make an appointment today and we'll help you decide what schedule bests suits your needs.

2. What makes Destination Dentistry different than any other dental practice I can visit?

Our number one goal is for you to have a great visit. A great visit is defined by our five-star service and our top-quality dentistry. It starts with a sincere greeting you when you call. Then, you'll have a personal introduction when you arrive. We make sure you're 100% comfortable with every procedure we propose. We take care of all of the little things that can make a difference in our patient's day: like refreshments in the reception area, beautiful floral arrangements to brighten your mood, and even music or television to keep you entertained.

We use digital photo technology and educational resources to help during your dental exam and to explain our procedures. We build time into our schedule for personal consultations with you that help develop rapport and trust, allowing you to have confidence in the excellent dentistry we offer. We are trained in caring not only about your teeth but who you are, what your desires and needs are, and how you like to be treated. Dr. Johnson's dentistry is second to none for those addressing comfort, life-long maintenance and or the most functional issues. We could try to describe the difference all day, but we'd love more than anything to show you! Make your appointment today!

3. I really dislike visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?

We make every effort to make your visit comfortable and relaxing. Stereo headphones, blankets and thermal neck pillows are all available for your comfort and relaxation. For some of our most nervous patients, oral sedation is available. Our friendly staff is always here to serve you and make you comfortable. Talk to us about your anxiety and we can be extra sensitive to your needs.

4. What is a dental implant?

The dental implant serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. It is machined from surgical-grade titanium alloy to exacting specifications. Dr. Johnson places the implant into either the upper or lower jawbone. After a period of time, the implant integrates with the bone and becomes a secure anchor for a replacement tooth, a fixed bridge, a removable partial, or a complete denture. The newest dental implants and placement procedures are so advanced, so successful, so comfortable and so reasonable that it's almost a given that anyone, regardless of how many teeth are missing or how long they've been missing can enjoy a remaining lifetime of "rock solid" teeth. Beautiful teeth are comfortable and fully functional. Implants are teeth that don't require adhesives, removal at night, adjustments to fit, or a diet of soft foods. They look, feel, and function like real teeth.

5. What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a bridge?

• Improved appearance: When you lose an entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or bridge doesn't.
• Maintained natural teeth: With traditional practices, two teeth adjacent to a missing tooth must be prepared to anchor a bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
• Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about. The implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after installation. Typically, implants last a lifetime.

6. What is a CEREC crown?

A CEREC crown is a single visit tooth restoration that we provide to quickly and economically restore damaged teeth using a durable ceramic material. The ceramic material is compatible with tissue in your mouth. It also allows us to save more of the healthy structure of your tooth.

It is also known as CEREC 3D and it, in effect, is a chairside computer that takes a 3D image of your tooth and then creates a perfect restoration in the precise color of your existing teeth.

7. What is Digital Radiography?

Until recently, our only option when taking x-rays was to place a film packet in your mouth and, using a traditional dental x-ray machine, expose the film packet, then wait up to 10 minutes for it to develop.

With Digital Radiography, x-rays are taken to help Dr. Kinniburgh see any decay between the teeth and to examine the bone for any radiographic abnormalities. This allows Dr. Kinniburgh to assess your over all dental health. With digital technology, the process is now computerized. We place a sensor next to your tooth and within seconds your radiograph is displayed on a computer screen. Because of the short exposure time your radiation exposure is reduced by 80%.

8. What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers or laminates are thin shells of porcelain bonded over the front surface of the teeth. They are long-lasting, stain-resistant and the most natural-looking type of restoration. Porcelain is very versatile; it can lengthen, widen and whiten existing teeth. Porcelain looks very similar to a tooth's natural enamel. They are the least invasive type of restoration. At Destination Dentistry we customize the color, saturation and gradation, shape, anatomy and degree of whiteness to whiten and brighten teeth naturally, painlessly and in as little as one to two weeks.

Porcelain veneers can be placed on misaligned crooked teeth to give the appearance of perfectly straight teeth- instant orthodontics. Porcelain veneers can cover stained, discolored teeth or be applied to whiten and brighten the entire smile. We can bond longer porcelain veneers to worn or chipped teeth to drastically improve their appearance. They may be made to match the surrounding existing teeth as well.

9. What is Periowave?

Periowave is a new dynamic in Periodontal Care. Hygiene is quick and painless technology that works to kill the bacteria associated with periodontal disease, without promoting antibiotic resistance. Periowave utilizes a non-thermal light combined with a photo-sensitizing solution designed to kill bacteria associated with periodontal diseases. Periowave treatment in conjunction with root planing procedures, halts the progression of periodontal disease and allows healing to begin. We invite you to make an appointment today and give our Periowave system a try!