(512) 452-2195
Hours 7:30AM to 4PM Monday - Thursday
(512) 452-2195 7333 E Highway 290 Austin, Texas 78723
Open hours: Hours 7:30AM to 4PM Monday - Thursday

Our Clinic Services

Most demanded services

CariVu Radiation Free Imaging

A trans-illuminating caries detection device using near-infrared light. No x-ray exposure.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening (or “bleaching”) is any process that removes stains from enamel.

BioLase

The Epic X diode laser is useful for tooth bleaching, bacterial reduction, periodontal therapy, TMJ pain reduction and faster healing.

Invisible Braces

Your invisible orthodontic treatment will consist of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks.

Snore Reduction

Over 80 million people in North America snore. Snoring is a sign of your body struggling to breathe.

Porcelain Veneers

Most people would like to change something about their smile: gaps, misshapen teeth, or rotated teeth.

Featured Services

  • Night Guards
  • Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
  • Full mouth reconstruction
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Oral DNA
  • Invisible Braces
  • Snore Reduction
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Tooth Colored Onlays/Inlays
  • Porcelain Crowns
  • Bridges
  • Dentures
  • Partials
  • Oral Surgery
  • Root Canal Therapy
  • At home Whitening Kits
  • Relaxation Dentistry
  • Cleanings and Exams
  • Oral Hygiene Instruction
  • Oral Cancer Screening
  • Sealants
  • Occlusal Correction
  • Safe Amalgam Removal
  • Tooth Colored Fillings

Learn More

Financing

We know that cost is a concern for many people, and we want you to feel comfortable getting the treatment you need. We gladly file insurance forms for you and accept payment from them.

Before treatment begins, we will estimate your out-of-pocket costs based on the information provided by your insurance company, and we expect payment of your portion at the time of your appointment.

Please remember that you are responsible for any amounts not covered by your insurance company.


We accept the following forms of payment:

• Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover)
• Personal checks and money orders
• Cash
• CareCredit (no-interest payment plans) apply at www.carecredit.com

Invisible Braces

Your invisible orthodontic treatment will consist of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place.

If you’re ready for a smile that transforms your appearance, invisible braces is your answer. Although there are many choices out there, Dr Johnson will help you determine which braces are right for you.

Amalgam filling

Amalgam filling material (also called ‘silver’, ‘metal’, or ‘mercury’) is actually made up of several metals. The one we use is an alloy of silver, tin, copper, palladium, and mercury. When these metals are combined, they form a stable substance that is still unbeatable in terms of strength and durability.

There are many people who are concerned that the mercury in amalgam fillings may leach into the body and cause toxicity. While I do recognize that mercury is a toxic substance that should be handled responsibly, the consensus is that the mercury in amalgam is harmless. While bound with the other metals in the amalgam material, the mercury poses no threat to your body or the environment.

However, in removing old fillings, some mercury is released, and while we use filtration devices (and an EPA-approved disposal system) to catch it before it washes down the drain, some will inevitably escape into the environment and likely into your body as well. This is why I do not recommend replacing amalgam fillings unless dentally necessary due to recurrent decay, fracture, or abscess.

For new, small cavities, I prefer to use composite (also called ‘resin’) material for two reasons: it looks better and, should it need to be replaced in the future, there is no risk of mercury release. Unfortunately, composite materials do not compare to amalgam in compression strength. So for large fillings, the only amalgam-free option is to place a crown (or ‘cap’) over the tooth.
Online Articles about mercury in amalgam fillings:

The “Mercury Toxicity” Scam: How Anti-Amalgamists Swindle

Dr. Oz is wrong about amalgam fillings

American Dental Association: Dental Amalgam

The Dental Amalgam Toxicity Fear: A Myth or Actuality

Veeners

Most people would like to change something about their smile: gaps, misshapen teeth, or rotated teeth, just to name a few. While orthodontics is often a good solution, it is not always necessary, nor does it fix all problems.

In many cases, veneers are a perfect solution for people who not only would like straighter teeth, but also those who would like to permanently lighten their smile. Thanks to newer materials, veneers are stronger and thinner than ever and usually our patients don’t even need anesthetic.

The first step to a straighter, brighter smile is scheduling your free aesthetic consultation with Dr. Johnson. She will listen to your concerns, review your options, and together you will decide the best treatment. We will also give you a cost estimate for your new smile. The next appointment will be the preparation. Dr. Johnson will reshape the enamel slightly to make room for the veneers and we’ll get an impression. Two weeks later, your veneers will be ready, and with your approval, we will cement them permanently.

Nutritional support for cracked or chapped lips

I am going to address two lip issues which are common. The first is the very common ‘chapped lips’, defined by peeling and cracking on the lower lip in particular. This is an indication of a deficiency of the B vitamins and possibly dehydration and an imbalance of oral flora. What I recommend and what usually works well is a liquid B-complex, probiotics and increasing water intake. The liquid B complex formula I like is made by Pure Encapsulations.

The second lip problem is painful cracks at the corners of the mouth. What my patients have found helpful in these cases is the B-complex according to label directions and 1 tablespoon of Safflower oil daily. I have found that this works almost overnight in probably 90% of the cases. In the remaining cases it seems that common yeast such as C. albicans is present and will need to be treated with an anti-fungal ointment.

Another recommendation which would be helpful in the long run for both lip issues is to assure a balanced gut flora by consuming foods containing beneficial organisms such as acidophilus capsules, yogurt, kefir, kombucha tea, buttermilk and raw sauerkraut. I would also add that it is helpful to avoid sugar because sugar encourages overgrowth of C. albicans.

Tooth Decay

Decay is a common disease, so common that most people don’t think it is a big deal. But the damage is life-long, so we should all do everything we can to prevent it. Decay is primarily caused by sugar in that most of us have bacteria in our mouths which turn the sugar into acids which dissolve teeth. Another problem which contributes to decay is having a dry mouth and this is most often due to medications.

There are five ways to tackle the root of the decay problem:

1)avoid sugary treats and drinks

2) buffer the acids by brushing with baking soda

3)clean teeth thoroughly every day to remove as many bacteria as possible

4) make the teeth more resistant to the acids by using fluoride toothpastes and/or a product containing Calcium and Magnesium such as MI paste which your dental office may carry

5) use oral probiotics to encourage competing friendly bacteria.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that the decay-causing bacteria can be transferred from parents to children and between couples through saliva so think twice before you share that ice cream cone! : )

Clenching and Grinding of Teeth

Nighttime clenching and grinding of the teeth is very damaging to the teeth and jaw joints (TMJ dysfunction). I have some simple recommendations based on research and confirmed by observations in my practice.

1) Don’t sleep with your head in a forward position, and if you sleep on your back – no pillow. If you sleep on your side, support your neck and don’t bend your head forward. This will make it harder to clench. If you want to test this, just lean your head back and try to clench! : )

2) Taking a magnesium powder supplement will help your muscles relax. I recommend taking from ½ to 1 tsp (100-200mg) in some warm water in the evening.

3) If you have any neck issues such as a whiplash injury, get them taken care of. Over the years, I’ve seen a correlation of neck problems with clenching and resolution of clenching once the neck problem has been taken care of. I recommend Chiropractic care for my patients in this situation.

4) If all the above are not enough to stop nighttime clenching and grinding then I recommend a night guard which snaps over the teeth and prevents the damage to the teeth.

What is gum disease / periodontal disease?

Signs and symptoms may range from bleeding gums to shifting teeth to tooth loss.

Unfortunately, it rarely causes pain. I say unfortunately because without pain some people will not become aware of the disease until they have lost so much bone that they are losing their teeth. It is discovered too late. This bone and tooth loss then makes a denture very difficult to fit or wear.

The periodontal tissues are the gums and bone which surround and support the teeth in the jaws. When disease is present it can be minor, as in gingivitis, affecting only the gums- or more severe, when it is damaging the bone. Gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease when it is not treated. Periodontal disease can cause gums to bleed and teeth to shift or become loose, and can even cause them to fall out or need to be extracted.

There are many things which contribute to periodontal disease: tobacco use, poor diet, medications that dry the mouth or reduce immunity, some hormones, genetics and diseases such as diabetes which lowers the immune response. Conversely, periodontal disease can contribute to health problems such as diabetes, bacterial pneumonia, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

We feel strongly that keeping your mouth healthy will help keep you healthy!

When I do the initial examination, I do a thorough evaluation of the overall health of your periodontal supporting tissues. If there are trouble areas, we discuss the treatments which can be used to help get your mouth healthy again. The treatments, guided by diagnostic aids such as Oral DNA testing to identify the bacteria or an individual’s susceptibility, may be as simple as a preventive-type cleaning, or may include scaling and root-planing and adjunctive therapy modalities such as antibiotics, probiotics, oral rinses and Perio Protect.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that the bacteria which cause periodontal disease may be passed from parents to children and between couples through saliva.

One question which comes up when periodontal disease is found and treated is ‘My insurance pays for a cleaning twice a year; why can’t I just get a regular cleaning?’ Briefly, the treatment must follow the diagnosis. While insurance companies do typically pay for the twice yearly cleaning, what they mean by that is that they will pay for ‘preventive’ cleanings, ie. there is no disease. Insurance coverage for gum care in a disease state varies according to your policy but most will pay half of the cost.

Reduce Snoring

It is estimated that over 80 million people in North America snore. Snoring is a symptom of your body struggling for breath due to a relaxed (and therefore smaller) airway; it not only reduces your quality of sleep and interferes with your sleep cycle, snoring can also cause increased blood pressure which could damage your heart. And we all know it can also disturb the sleep of those around you! Fortunately, we can help.

Silent Nite is an affordable, custom-made, snoring prevention device. When compared to the moderate success rates of surgical procedures (20%-40%), Silent Nite snore prevention devices can be the first course of treatment for simple snoring. Dr. Johnson will ask you to fill out a questionnaire to uncover your snoring pattern and determine the specific design of the Silent Nite. Then we will take impressions of your upper and lower arches and within a few weeks, you and your loved ones will be enjoying better, more restful sleep.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening (or “bleaching”) is any process that removes stains from enamel. All methods are semi-permanent. Our preferred method is a custom-made tray that you use at home with a peroxide gel for one hour at a time to overnight. Most people see results after three uses, with ultimate lightening after one to two weeks. We recommend this type of whitening to remove tobacco, coffee, tea, wine, and some tetracycline stains. With this method, you can touch up your smile as often as you like, at your convenience.

As with any whitening system, some people experience cold sensitivity during treatment; this can be remedied by using a lower percentage gel, using it less frequently, using fluoride gel and avoiding highly acidic foods while whitening. Also, for your comfort and safety, all decay should be restored before bleaching begins to avoid extreme sensitivity.

Perio Protect™

Perio Protect™ is a new, home care treatment program for periodontal disease using a dentist-created and FDA-cleared medical device that can deliver doctor-prescribed medications to the source of periodontal infections. These medications address the pathogens that cause gum disease.

The medical device is a set of custom fabricated Perio Protect Trays™ that are easy to use and comfortable to wear. The Perio Protect Trays offer varying thickness and differing extensions to support a special seal that gently guides antimicrobial agents of the dentist’s choosing into the infected area (gingival sulcus) and that maintains the medications for a sufficient time to control the bacteria causing the infection. As healing occurs, patients alter the frequency and duration that they wear their trays.

In order to obtain Perio Protect Trays, a patient must visit a dentist who is a licensed Perio Protect partner. Precise impressions of the mouth are sent to a dental laboratory where custom trays are made to meet an individual patient’s needs and conditions.

Patients’ response to treatment has proven to be extremely rapid, and patient acceptance has been outstanding. The method is easy to follow and painless, and the medications help to control the bacteria that cause the disease.

Learn more on the Perio Protect™ website.

Oral DNA

There are several contributing factors and many pathogenic bacteria that can cause gum disease. Oral DNA Labs now offer a salivary screening tool we can use to accurately diagnose and treat the specific cause or causes of your disease. There are two tests we can do. Both are done in our office and are quick, non-invasive, and painless. The first, MyPerioPath, identifies which of eight commonly associated bacteria are causing your infection and how numerous they are; many times, more than one bacterial presence is to blame. The second test, MyPerioID, uses genetic markers to determine if you are more susceptible than most people to gum tissue infections.

Ask about Oral DNA tests if you have been diagnosed with periodontal (gum) disease or you have any of the following indicators:

  • Inflamed, red, or bleeding gum tissue
  • Bone loss evidenced by periodontal pockets or x-rays
  • Family history of periodontal disease
  • Smoking or history of smoking
  • Other conditions, such as diabetes, that increase your susceptibility
  • Certain medications, such as asthma inhalers or steroids
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Loose teeth

Every year we learn more about the connection between oral health and whole-body health and oral disease causing systemic disease. By knowing what bacteria are in your mouth and being aware of your proclivity towards disease, we can help you to be as healthy as you can be. To learn more, visit:

Resources

The dental resources provided in this section of the website are intended for clients to have quick access to quality information about dental health. My hope is to continue to expand this list of highly recommend websites.


Perio Protect™
Perio Protect is a revolutionary new method to treat most periodontal disease (also known as gum disease, gingivitis or periodontitis) using an FDA-cleared medical device to deliver dentist-prescribed medications directly to the source of the infection.

Clearcorrect™
Having a confident smile can change everything. And Clear Correct makes the decision easy, because you can get a stunning smile without most people even noticing you’re going through treatment. So start on the right track today, and find out more about Clear Correct.

Lumineers®
LUMINEERS® BY CERINATE® are porcelain veneers that offer the painless way to a permanently whiter and perfectly aligned smile. Your LUMINEERS dentist can apply these contact lens-thin “smile shapers” to teeth without any grinding or shaving, transforming teeth into a naturally beautiful smile that looks perfect for every individual. LUMINEERS can even be placed over existing crown or bridgework without having to replace them.

 

Care Credit
Maybe you’d like a brighter smile or better vision. Maybe you want to freshen your look. Or maybe your family pet needs a surgery you didn’t plan for. But if your insurance doesn’t cover all the costs for the procedure you want and need, where do you turn? CareCredit, a GE Money Company, gives you convenient payment options so you can get the procedure you want, when you want it.

 

American Dental Association
Consumers, teachers, and media: find oral health topics, learning tools, career resources and more. Learn about the ADA. Find products and programs that add value to membership.

 

Texas Dental Association
The Texas Dental Association and our more than 7200 member dentists understand that the best patient is an informed patient. We would like to provide you with the information that will be most useful as you make decisions about which dentist to see, what preventive care you should take, and other matters that affect your dental health and that of your family.

 

Capital Area Dental Society
The Capital Area Dental Society was founded in 1924 with the goals of uniting dentists of the Greater Austin area encompassing five counties for the advancement of the profession and for coordinated service to the community. The Capital Area Dental Society (CADS) is the local component of a tri-partite organization consisting of The Texas Dental Association and The American Dental Association.

Currently, the Capital Area Dental Society has 540 members and is one of the most active and respected dental societies in the country. We are a unique society in that all proceeds from fundraising events are donated to local charitable organizations that provide dental care to those in need.

 

Pure Encapsulations

PureCapsPro is designed with patients in mind, offering a convenient one stop shop of the highest quality dietary supplements and rehabilitation products.

Referrals

Chiral Balance
Chiral Balance provides
D
-chiro-inositol (DCI), a new, natural way to alleviate symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Research studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and Endocrine Practice have shown the effectiveness of the vitamin, D-chiro-inositol (DCI) for the relief of the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

www.toothiq.com – Learn more about dentistry.

Natural Calm – Help for clenching and grinding.

Pure Encapsulations – Order your vitamins here.

DEXIS CariVu™ is a compact, portable caries detection device that uses patented infrared transillumination technology to support the identification of occlusal, interproximal and recurrent carious lesions and cracks.

Epic X Biolase is useful for non-invasive laser treatment of periodontal disease; it is versatile and useful for a wide range of conditions.

To make an Appointment

please call our office at (512) 452-2195. You can also submit questions and comments via email: Drj_staff@yahoo.com.

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