Your Trusted Dentist in Denver
Finding the right dentist in Denver, Colorado, can be daunting. With so many options available, choosing the one that best suits your dental care needs is essential. That’s where Ascent Dental Group comes in. As your trusted dentist in Denver, our team of experienced and compassionate professionals provides you with the highest quality dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Ascent Dental Group provides a holistic dentistry approach while catering to your family’s dental needs. Dr. Johnston is an experienced dentist specializing in both family and cosmetic dentistry. His holistic approach to dental care ensures that your overall health and well-being are considered during your appointments. Whether you need a routine checkup or want cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or veneers, Dr. Johnston is here to provide you with the best care possible. Don’t wait any longer to schedule your consultation – your smile will thank you! We can’t wait to show you why Ascent Dental Group is the best choice for your dental needs. Latest Technology As a leading dentist in Denver, we use the latest technology to ensure our patients receive the best possible care. We use digital X-rays that emit less radiation than traditional X-rays, providing a more accurate and detailed image of your teeth. We also use intraoral cameras to diagnose any issues with your teeth and gums accurately. Patient-Centered Care At Ascent Dental Group, our patients are our top priority. We understand that visiting the dentist can be stressful for some people, so we’ve designed our practice to be as welcoming and comfortable as possible. Our staff is committed to making your experience as pleasant as possible and will go out of their way to ensure you are at ease. Affordable Dental Care Everyone deserves access to quality dental care, which is why we offer affordable treatment options and accept many insurance plans. We also offer flexible payment plans to help make your dental care more manageable. Convenient Location Ascent Dental Group is conveniently located in Denver, making it easy to access our services no matter where you are coming from. We also have convenient hours so that you can schedule your appointments around your busy schedule. Comprehensive Dental Services At Ascent Dental Group, we offer a wide range of comprehensive dental services. You can receive the care you need at one location without having to be referred to other practices. Our services include the following and more. Holistic Dentistry Looking for a dental experience that goes beyond just cleaning your teeth? Look no further than Ascent Dental Group, your premier destination for holistic dentistry. Holistic dentistry takes into account not just your teeth and gums but your overall health and wellness. At Ascent Dental Group, our experienced team takes a whole-body approach, offering personalized treatment plans that address the symptoms and root causes of dental issues. We use biocompatible materials and natural techniques to promote oral health and enhance your overall well-being. Say goodbye to impersonal dental visits and hello to a more comprehensive, compassionate dental experience at Ascent Dental Group. Family Dentistry Your family’s dental health is paramount, and Ascent Dental Group understands that better than anyone. Providing top-notch family dentistry services, we offer comprehensive dental care tailored to the needs of every member of your household, from young children to seniors. Trust our expert team to keep your loved ones’ smiles bright and healthy. With our state-of-the-art facilities and caring approach, Ascent Dental Group is the ideal partner for all your family’s dental needs. Cosmetic Dentistry Everyone wants a dazzling smile, and that’s where Ascent Dental Group comes in. Our cosmetic dentistry services are designed to give you the perfect set of teeth that you’ve always dreamed of. From clear aligners to porcelain veneers, Ascent Dental Group offers many options to enhance your smile. Our friendly and experienced team will work with you to understand your needs and recommend the best treatment plan for you. Don’t let insecurities about your teeth hold you back from smiling confidently. With the help of Ascent Dental Group, you can achieve the smile of your dreams and regain your confidence. Dentist in Denver, CO As your trusted dentist in Denver, Ascent Dental Group is committed to providing you with the highest quality dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. We offer comprehensive dental services, use the latest technology, provide patient-centered care, offer affordable treatment options, and have a convenient location. So why wait? Contact us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Ascent Dental Group difference!
Discovering the Benefits of a Holistic Dentist
Are you looking for a dentist who will care for your teeth and overall well-being? You might want to try visiting our holistic dentist in Denver, Colorado. Unlike traditional dentists who focus solely on fixing dental problems, holistic dentist Dr. Jeff Johnston takes a more natural approach by considering the whole body and the impact of dental procedures on it. At Ascent Dental Group, we practice holistic dentistry and believe that oral health is connected to the health of your entire body. With years of experience and a dedication to providing top-notch dental care, Dr. Johnston is the perfect choice for all your dental needs. To schedule a consultation with him and his team, call them or drop by their office today. You can trust the Ascent Dental Group to give you the best care possible and leave you with a healthy, beautiful smile you can be proud of. Begin your journey towards a brighter, happier, and healthier you! Dr. Johnson and his team will explore the benefits of seeing a holistic dentist. Consider Your Overall Health When you visit Dr. Johnston, he will examine your dental issues and overall health. Before starting any procedures, he will consider any health conditions you have, medications you take, and your overall lifestyle. He believes all aspects of your body are intertwined, and dental procedures can affect other parts. Focus On Non-toxic Treatments Dr. Johnston also can help you avoid using substances in treatments that some patients prefer to avoid, such as amalgam fillings and fluoride treatments. He and his team can use more natural materials, such as composite fillings, which are safer for the body and the environment. They can also take a more conservative approach and only extract teeth if it is essential, rather than jumping straight to this solution. Personalized Care and Treatment Plans Dr. Johnston takes a more customized approach to dental care than traditional dentists. He will create a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs, considering your dental history, lifestyle, and health conditions. Use of Technology As a holistic dentist in Denver, Dr. Johnston uses advanced technology to minimize the need for invasive procedures. For example: Dental Laser A dental laser is a tool that uses a concentrated beam of light energy to treat dental conditions. What sets it apart from traditional methods is that it often requires minimal or no, anesthesia, creates less discomfort and bleeding, and helps preserve healthy tissue. Additionally, dental lasers are an integral part of holistic dentistry, which emphasizes the promotion of oral health as part of overall systemic health. With its significant advantages, our dental laser technology offers patients a positive and safe dental experience that aligns with the holistic approach to healthcare. CEREC Technology Our CEREC system allows us to create customized dental restorations, such as crowns and bridges, in just one visit. With traditional dentistry, patients often have to wait for weeks to receive their prosthetics. With CEREC technology, however, patients can receive their restorations in just a few hours. Not only is this more convenient for patients, but it also eliminates the need for multiple appointments and reduces the risk of infection. Holistic dentistry is all about making the dental experience as pleasant and safe as possible, and CEREC technology is a key component in achieving that goal. 3D Cone Beam Technology Our 3D Cone Beam technology is a shining example of how the industry integrates modern techniques to improve patient care. This state-of-the-art imaging tool provides the following: A clear and comprehensive view of the patient’s mouth. Significantly assisting in diagnosing dental issues. Planning complex procedures. Ultimately providing more efficient treatment. Utilizing the 3D Cone Beam in our practice can offer our patients tailored and effective care and improve oral wellness. Preventive Care As they say, prevention is better than cure, which applies to dental health, too, especially in holistic dentistry. We prioritize preventive care, such as regular cleanings and exams and patient education. We will show you how to care for your teeth naturally, such as recommending natural toothpaste or mouthwash. Holistic Dentist in Denver If you are looking for a natural and more personalized approach to dental care, visiting Dr. Johnston could be an excellent option. At Ascent Dental Group, we believe in providing our clients with the latest technology and a comprehensive plan to help improve their overall health. Please book an appointment with us and take the first step towards healthier teeth, body, and mind.
7 Worst Beverages for Your Teeth
The best drink for your teeth is water. Neutral pH, hydrating, and nonstaining. But we know you’re tempted to drink something else from time to time. But if you’re going to drink, do it in a way that’s safe for your teeth. Here’s a list of drinks to avoid or limit if you want to keep your teeth healthy. Soda Soda is the most dangerous drink for your teeth. It’s very acidic (colas have a pH of around three—some even in the range of 2–where pure water is 7 and battery acid is 1), and many people are tempted to sip them all day, day after day. This will eat away your tooth enamel, the white outer covering of your teeth. And if the soda contains sugar, that fuels the growth of mouth bacteria, which excrete acid and can damage your teeth further. Sports Drinks Sports drinks are also very acidic, many of them having a pH similar to or even lower than sodas. And they contain sugars. It’s hard to say whether they’re worse than sodas. Although people don’t usually drink them all afternoon, when they are being used it’s in the context of working out when people are somewhat dehydrated and the mouth environment is prime space for bacteria. Sports drinks have been blamed for workout cavities. Lemonade Lemonade is a similar story to soda and sports drinks. Depending on the source of the lemonade, the pH can be in the 2.5-3 range, and it’s also likely to be full of sugar. This is another very good reason to avoid lemonade cleanse diets, which encourage you to basically drink lemonade instead of eating full meals. These dangerous diets can destroy your teeth as well as harm your health. Mixed Drinks If you’ve been following along, you’ve probably got a clue what we’re going to say here. Most mixed drinks are made with alcohol and soda or simple syrup, which makes them acidic, sugary, or both. Mixed drinks also have the problem of dehydrating you, which means you’ll have less saliva to help keep bacteria under control. It’s okay to indulge every once in a while, but at your regular happy hours, you should get used to ordering “neat” or “on the rocks.” Better yet, order a beer, which has antibacterial properties, is only mildly acidic, and has nutrients that are good for your teeth and bones. Wine Coolers The worst thing about wine coolers is that they don’t have wine. Wine, although acidic, can be good for your teeth. But wine coolers are mostly sugar, water, and acid. With artificial colors thrown in. If you want a cooler smile, just order wine. Sweet Tea It’s likely that tea is actually good for your teeth. Sure, it can be staining (that’s what teeth whitening is for!), but it has antibacterial properties and can even slow the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simple sugars in your mouth, which makes them less damaging to your teeth. But these benefits are completely outweighed if you add a lot of sugar to your tea. And lemon. And don’t drink those bottled teas they sell at the store if they have any sweeteners or flavoring added. Starbucks Coffee is a similar story to tea. Yeah, it’s staining, but it has antibacterial properties and at least one study has linked coffee consumption with lower gum disease rates. But once you add in all the sugar that gets put in one of Starbucks’ signature drinks (or a similar drink at any other place), you’re looking at an entirely different picture. Have a cup of black in the morning, but by all means, you must resist the temptation to drink liquid candy! But if you haven’t heeded these tips and you are now in need of some general dentistry work in the Cherry Creek area of Denver, please contact Ascent Dental today for an appointment.
What to Do When a Crown Is Loose
Loose Dental Crown Solutions If you have a loose dental crown, don’t panic. Dental crowns can last for years, but everything fails sometimes, and coming loose is a common problem for dental crowns. But if you respond properly, it won’t necessarily harm your tooth, and the crown can often be put back in place. The first thing to do when you have a loose crown is to contact your dentist. The sooner you can get in, the better. If your crown is in good shape, it can often be cemented back in place with little trouble, but the sooner you get in, the better. The longer you wait after a dental crown is loose or has come off, the more likely it is that the dentin underneath the crown (which is vulnerable to both decay and wear) will change shape so that the crown won’t fit anymore. If the Crown Is Loose, but Not Off If your dental crown is loose but hasn’t come completely off your tooth, you can try to keep it on a little longer by chewing in other parts of your mouth. This isn’t a guarantee that it won’t come off, but it might help. You need to be very careful in this situation, because the worst thing would be for the crown to come off and have you swallow it. If the Crown Comes Off If your dental crown has come off completely, you can try to secure it in place with temporary dental cement, but never do this without asking your dentist about it first. It won’t last particularly well, but it will hold it in place for many situations. This can be especially important if your crown is in a visible place and you don’t want to have to hide it all day at work or at a special event. Having the crown secured with temporary cement can also protect the dentin against abrasion or decay, and it can make the tooth less sensitive to hot and cold. How to Glue a Crown Back on Before gluing the crown back on, make sure the tooth is free of all debris. The last thing you want is to glue your crown on with a supply of food for bacteria under there where you can’t get it. Once the tooth is clean, consider using an antibacterial rinse. Don’t forget to clean and rinse the inside of the crown, too. Test seat the crown to make sure you have the proper orientation. Then put a small amount of adhesive inside the crown and place it back on. If You Swallow a Crown Since most of the time crowns come off during chewing, it’s not unusual for people to swallow crowns. If you want to recover the crown, you can try to induce vomiting or search through your bowel movements for the lost crown. If you actually swallowed the crown into your stomach, it’s unlikely to cause problems. However, if it got into your airway, you may be in trouble. If you coughed a lot when swallowing the crown or if you feel any chest discomfort or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention. The good news is that even if you lost a crown, we can get you a new one in a single appointment with our CEREC system. For help with a loose or lost crown, please contact Ascent Dental, your locally trusted Cherry Creek Dentist. Book a FREE Consultation
Is a Root Canal Painful?
Root canals are infamous. They are supposedly the benchmark for the most unpleasant experiences in life. When people want to say that an experience was really bad and excruciatingly painful, they will compare them to a root canal. You have to understand that the reputation of root canals goes back a long time, and has been passed down through our culture like a legend, and doesn’t reflect the reality of modern root canals. The first root canals were performed in the mid-eighteenth century, more than 100 years before modern dental anesthesia was demonstrated. A root canal involves the extraction of the nerve of the tooth, the part of the tooth that registers pain, so you can bet that if this procedure were performed without anesthesia you would feel a lot of pain. But that’s not how we do things today. Today, most people report that the pain of a root canal is far less than the pain they have been dealing with because of their infected tooth. Pain Control for Root Canals Today, we have many methods for effectively controlling pain during your root canal procedure. We can utilize topical anesthesia first so you don’t even feel the prick of the needle that injects anesthesia that can completely numb the area where the root canal is being performed. Nerve blocks can be used to numb an entire branch of your nerves to create a more widespread anesthesia effect. For people with extensive need for treatment or reasons why it might be beneficial, we can use general anesthesia to completely eliminate pain sensations during the root canal procedure. After your root canal, we have many options for pain medications, though most people don’t need it. With the tooth nerve gone, most of the potential for pain has been removed, and you’ll feel sensitivity related to the pressure on the tooth from removing enamel and entering the tooth interior. Lingering discomfort from a root canal may be no worse than that of getting a dental crown. Variables That Affect Your Level of Pain It’s important to remember that pain is subjective and varies greatly from person to person. Your level of discomfort will vary depending on: Personal sensitivity Your attitude to pain Your level of anxiety The structure of your tooth and the exact treatment needed To attempt to gauge your level of sensitivity, we will talk to you about your pain experiences during prior dental work. We will also talk to you during the procedure and adjust medication as necessary to achieve a minimum of discomfort. Don’t let fear keep you from getting necessary dental treatment. For more information about sedation dentistry in Denver, please contact Ascent Dental in Cherry Creek.
What to Do When You Chip a Tooth
When you chip a tooth, the most important thing is to see a dentist right away. It’s not always easy to tell whether you’ve done serious damage to your tooth or not, so don’t put off a dental visit thinking it’s just a minor problem. Before You Can Get to the Dentist You may not feel the chip or crack, but it’s likely that your tongue or cheeks will immediately feel the sharp place on your tooth that comes from a break. The first thing to do is get any broken pieces of enamel out of your mouth so you don’t swallow them. Then rinse your mouth with warm water. If you have bleeding, put pressure on the cut areas to stop the bleeding. You can apply a cold pack to the area to reduce sensitivity and swelling. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever. To keep yourself from getting cut by the sharp edges, you can put paraffin wax or sugar free gum on the chip. If it is going to take you a while to get to the dentist, you can put temporary dental cement on the chip to protect the tooth. This is temporary, and only a short-term expedient—it doesn’t mean you can wait to see the dentist! How We Will Fix Your Tooth The proper treatment for your chipped tooth depends on the chip, its cause, and your goals. For minor chips: The quickest and easiest fix for a minor chip is dental bonding. The same material used for white fillings is sculpted onto your tooth to create a lifelike restoration, then it is hardened with a curing light. This can be completed in a single visit. For a longer-term restoration, porcelain veneers are recommended. For major chips (cracked or broken tooth): If the chip, crack, or break has compromised the strength of the tooth or exposed the tooth’s nerve, you may need a dental crown to protect and support the tooth. If the crack was caused by severe decay in the tooth, we may also recommend root canal therapy to remove an infected tooth root. If you have chipped or cracked a tooth, do not wait to get help. Please call (303) 975-6987 to schedule an appointment at Ascent Dental in Cherry Creek. For less urgent questions or appointments, you can email us.
When to Remove Wisdom Teeth
Although most people seem to need their wisdom teeth removed, it’s not always necessary. It’s important to remember that removing wisdom teeth is not always recommended. However, there are many reasons why you might want your wisdom teeth removed, such as: They cause crowding and orthodontic problems They cause pain They have become infected They are hard to clean They are impacted (stuck) and can’t fully emerge Often, your dentist can tell your wisdom teeth will cause problems before they happen. It’s best to listen to your dentist in this case to avoid more trouble later on. Getting Your Teeth Checked You should be visiting the dentist at least once a year from the age of two, and by the time you’re a teen, you should have visits to the dentist twice a year just like an adult. During your regular visits, your dentist will check on the state of your wisdom teeth and look at them for any problems. At about age 16-19 is when your dentist can usually tell if there will be problems with your wisdom teeth. Some people may have obvious signs of trouble earlier than this, while others may not see any problems through their 20s. People who experience no problems with wisdom teeth by the age of 30 may be able to keep them for life. You may have all four wisdom teeth removed at once, or just some of them. Sometimes wisdom teeth left in today may have to be removed at a later date. Some dentists may recommend removing your wisdom teeth before the age of 20 to make it easier, but in reality they can be removed at any age. If you are experiencing problems with your wisdom teeth and want to talk about having them extracted, please contact Ascent Dental in Denver, Colorado today for an appointment.
Causes of a Toothache
I found this diagram on the internet and it really helps explain causes of tooth sensitivy or pain. Causes of a toothache can be many different things. I wanted to share this. Dr. Johnston
Deep Cleaning / Dental Scaling
When teeth and gums don’t get cleaned properly, the food particles mix with bacteria in your mouth and develop a soft substance called plaque. This plaque if not removed can turn into a harder substance known as dental tartar or calculus. If tartar is still not removed, it start impinging on the gums and create a seperation between the gums and the tooth. Once this seperation occurs, it allows for more food particles and bacteria to work its way down into the gum. The bacteria secrete waste from eating your microscopic food particles that can destroy gums and bone around the tooth. Once this sequence is established, brushing or flossing will not help remove this. A dental deep cleaning or Scaling and root planing procedure is needed. This is where dental professionals such as a dentist or dental hygienist takes their instruments and goes under the gumline to remove this structure of tartar. Once destruction of the bone has occured, the bone cannot grow back. If enough bone gets destroyed around the tooth, the tooth then loses its support and removal of the tooth is indicated. We commonly find that missing rountine cleanings (depending on one’s dental hygiene) over 1-2 yrs will lead to this. Its very important to see a dentist and have your teeth professionally cleaned so this process does not occur. I have attached a diagram that describes this. – Dr. Johnston
Press Release #1 – Cerec
Local Colorado Dentist Utilizes CEREC Technology to Execute Simplistic and Efficient Dental Appointments for all Patients Dr. Jeff Johnston, dentist in Cherry Creek, is pleased to announce that his practice is able to utilize CEREC technology to create crowns, fillings and veneers in just a single visit. This technology allows Dr. Johnston to offer superior dental service to his patients in the Denver and Cherry Creek area. Denver, CO (1888PressRelease) October 09, 2012 – CEREC allows the practice to offer a tremendous level of service to all patients. Instead of taking two or three weeks to create and implement a crown, Ascent Dental is able to do so in a single appointment. The patient will be able to leave the same day with a fully constructed dental crown(s). The practice will continue to use CEREC to successfully treat the patients. Prior to CEREC in Colorado, receiving a dental crown was much more complicated. To do so, a dentist had to take a muddled impression of the tooth and then send it to a dental lab. During the two to three weeks in between appointments, patients would wear a temporary crown before the permanent crown would be attached at times causing it to be uncomfortable or to become dislodged. CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic. CEREC uses special imaging technology to get an accurate digital representation of the patient’s tooth. Using specialized software, Dr. Johnston then is able to design a crown that will fit perfectly within the patient’s tooth. An on-site milling machine is then used to physically create the crown, allowing Dr. Johnston to permanently attach to the patient’s tooth. The ceramic material used to create the crown or filling expands and contracts as natural teeth do. Because of this, there is no danger of cracking. Furthermore, they are neither too hard nor too soft. There is no undue wear and the patient will not need to replace them time and again as one might with older crown or filling technology. They also accurately represent the visual aesthetic of natural teeth. The crown is ready for placement in as little as 15 minutes and the results can last years. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnson, patients can call (303) 975-6987 or use the online appointment request form www.ascentdental.com . To do this, patients simply have to enter in the date, time and a few words detailing the nature of their appointment into the online form. Shortly after, the practice’s scheduling coordinator will follow up with a confirmation email. About Dr. Jeff Johnston: At the age of 12, Dr. Johnston’s life goal was to be a dentist. Dr. Jeff Johnston, Denver Dentist is a member of several professional organizations, which he chooses on the basis of whether they contribute to the overall wellbeing of patients and the profession. He is currently pursuing the Fellowship Award to the Academy of General Dentistry, which is earned through continuing dental education on the many different fields of dentistry. Other organizations include: American Dental Association, Metro Denver Society, Texas Tech Alumni, Biking Club of Colorado and the NRA. Dr. Johnston is always striving to be the best dentist when it comes to serving the Colorado dental industry. Ascent Dental is a full-service dentist office, providing general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry services to the Denver-area patients. This includes such services as: • Dental hygiene and teeth cleaning • Family dentistry • Dental crowns while you wait • Endodontics (root canal) • Porcelain veneers • Tooth whitening • Dental implants • Porcelain fillings Affordable dental treatments that alleviate any worry or fear of going to the dentist can be completed in one day. The advancement in technology at Ascent Dental is immediately available to all new patients. To learn more about Dr. Johnston, his staff or any of the services that are offered at his practice, patients are encouraged to visit his practice’s comprehensive dental website at www.ascentdental.com .
Omnicam
Sirona Dental Systems, based in Germany, has just released Omnicam. The first intra-oral camera of its kind for CAD CAM sytems. This is a 3D/2D intraoral camera. They have also released thier CAD CAM software to be in color, not just stone looking models. I was at the release in Las Vegas in August. They spend a fortune on the meeting, with over 4,000 dentist. This is a game changer in CAD CAM and patient care. We have a little ways to wait before it can come to Ascent Dental, but looking forward to having this new toy! Dr. Johnston
Dental Education
Around 8yrs ago, I graduated from dental school. I was on top of the world, my brain was chalked full of dentistry, and I was ready to become a dentist. Upon the first month of practicing dentisty, I saw patients and cases I have never seen before and that I didn’t know how to treat or even where to start. I also learned very fast, I was slow and in order to survive in private practice my practice speed had to increase without compromising quality. That first year after dental school, I refused to crack a book or sit in a classroom, after all I had been in school the last 20 years of my life. I just wanted to practice dentistry and earn some extra money, being a student and living very frugally for so long, I wanted nothing more than to have some extra spending money. Little did I know at the time, that my dental degree and license was just a ticket to learn, and thats about it. I have owned my own practice for about 4 years now. I have quickly learned that my dental education is a key to being a great clinican. Every case I see if completely different, and dentist who have been practicing for 30 years still seen new cases and seek new ways to treat them. I am from Texas, and in Texas, the state requires 16 hours of dental continuing education (CE) over anything you want to go learn about related to dentistry. Practicing in Colorado, the state requires 0 hours of CE. I found this to be odd for the state not to require its clinicians to not learn anything new and be able to practice! Dental education is not cheap. Some classes out there can cost as much as 5-10k a weekend plus travel! I find it baffling the cost that is associated with CE. I used to think dental school cost a lot, it is nothing compared to advanced education after school. There are dental courses going on around the world daily from various sources. Picking and choosing who you want to learn from and what you want to learn is that hard part!. I tend to go learn topics that I see frequently come in the practice. Each demographic can see more of a certain type of case than others. In summary, education is a huge part of practicing dentistry. More than ever, todays changes in technology, materials, and equipment make learning an essential part of being a dentist. Jeff Johnston DDS
Cerec Mentoring
I wanted to take a second and share my weekend with you. This past weekend (Jan 27, 29 2012) I headed out to The Scottsdale Center for dentistry in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Scottsdale Center for dentistry is a world renowned dental teaching facility and is one of the top teaching facilities in the United States. The Scottsdale Center is also a Cerec training capital. As a mentor of Cerecdoctors.com (a online website and forum dedicated to Cerec education) we have the opprotunity to go to the Scottsdale Center and help with classes. These classes usually consist of a lecture and a lab component. While dentists are in the lab, mentors walk around and make sure they are doing ok, answering any questions they may have. This was my first experience teaching postition. Getting asked about 100 questions a day and looking at different situations on the Cerec machine from others really allowed me to display my knowledge of Cerec. I have to say I was impressed with what I knew and have learned, especially in the last year. Dentistry is like peeling an onion, there are many many layers. Great dentist spend their lives learning. Technology today is moving very fast and it can be challenging to keep up with its pace. The future is really bright and I look forward to the challenge of a lifetime of dental education. A wise man once said, once we stop learning, we stop living. Till next time Dr. Jeff Johnston
Reasons skipping the dentist is bad for you
While most don’t love going to the dentist, we try our hardest to make ourselves do it twice a year. But for some reason, we skip the dentist more than any of our other health-related appointments. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 71.4 percent of women over age 18 had their teeth cleaned in 2008. That means more than a quarter of all women are skipping the dentist! Here are exactly what health benefits you are missing out on when you skip a cleaning.(Motivation to set up an appointment?) Here are some non-tooth-related health conditions that may be spotted or prevented by a dentist (or go undiagnosed if you skip an appointment). 1. Heart disease. A new study from researchers at Berkeley found that women who get dental care may reduce their risk of heart disease by one-third. It’s simple – bacteria in the gums, especially bleeding gums can travel to your heart and set up residence. 2. Oral Cancer.Often times oral cancer are asymptomatic. We all have oral cancer risk factors. Smokers (duh) and anyone who consumes more than one alcoholic beverage on a daily basis. New studies are showing HPV from oral sex are very high oral cancer causing risk factors. 3. Nutritional deficiencies. By looking at your tongue and gums, we can tell if you are lacking in certain vitamins and nutrients. One thing they look for is pale tongue, which may indicate an iron deficiency. While its uncommon in our area in Denver, it can be detected. 4. Diabetes. The condition of your teeth and gums may point to diabetes. Uncontrolled gum bleeding after cleanings and other dental observations can lead to a diabetic diagnosis. Just know that the more you skip out on your dentist, the more damage you can do to the rest of your body. More and more studies are finding systemic links coming from the oral cavity. Take care of those teeth and gums and they will take care of you!