NPD Blog

Dental phobia, or excessive anxiety when you get anywhere near a dental office or a dentist is quite usual for many patients. A lot of people will avoid going to the dentist in order to fix the problem soon, and small dental issues will in no time transform into major complications.

According to Dr. Ryne Johnson, a prosthodontist at Newton Wellesley Dental Partners, if left unaddressed, a simple cavity can lead to nerve damage.  Even gum disease, if left untreated may lead to tooth loss.  Taking the ‘head-in-the-sand’ approach will lead to significant problems and significant expenses down the road.  In order to ease dental phobia, you might want to consider the following popular relaxation techniques:

1. Communication with the dentist

It is extremely important to inform your dentist about your fears and anxieties. If he is a very good professional, he will know how to help you calm down before a procedure.  Some people feel extremely embarrassed about the state of their teeth which are extremely damaged from lack of dental visits, don’t worry.
 
However, you should keep in mind that the main specialty of cosmetic dentists is to repair even the worst damages, and they have most probably seen hundreds of other patients with even bigger issues or problem than yours.

2. Ask your dentist about what comes next

Indeed, if you are afraid because you don’t know how exactly the treatment will be performed, you should ask your dentist to let you know the details. If you know exactly what procedure will come next, you will feel more comfortable and more “in control” of the situation. The dentists at Newton Wellesley Dental Partners feel very strongly about keeping their patients informed so they are more able to make informed decisions.

3. Relax and find a way to ‘escape’

Today’s dental science is not what it used to be 30 years ago; procedures are much less invasive and dental anesthetics (‘Novocain’) is much better than years past.  You can also listen to your favorite music during the procedure, or watch an interesting DVD in order to set your mind at more pleasant thoughts.

4. Extreme dental phobia cases solution

Sedation dentistry- this is when the dentist will administer a pill or intravenous sedation. The patient will be put in a dream like state of total relaxation for the entire duration of the treatment.   Sometimes, a minor sedative can be used to ‘take the edge off’ one’s anxieties.

It is important to do everything possible to overcome your fears in order to treat dental problem. If you consider that sedation dentistry is what you truly need in order to have “courage” in the dentist chair, than make sure to find the best cosmetic dentist that can address your needs.

Finally, feel free to visit www.NewtonWelleselyDentalPartners.org for additional information on their doctors and procedures they offer.  There is a difference in dental care options and finding the right dentist can ease your anxieties.

Did you know that cosmetic dentists performed over 599,000 porcelain veneer procedures last year? This makes it the third most performed cosmetic dental procedure performed. Many patients receive porcelain veneers to enhance or repair their teeth and smile. Porcelain veneer procedures have increased by 250% in the past five years as more and more patients begin to see the benefits that an improved smile may have.

According to Dr. Ryne Johnson of Newton Prosthodontics, dental veneers can also enhance the fullness of your lips and an increasing number of women in his practice elect to place veneers as a way to enhance lip fullness and plumpness.

Porcelain veneers help increase confidence and improve your smile by augmenting natural lip shape. Dental veneers are a very common cosmetic dentistry procedure, but only recently have patients discovered what veneers can do to produce fuller lips, reduce wrinkles, and improve the appearance of the entire face.

The added thickness of the veneers pushes out one's natural lip curves to create a more rounded, ample shape. With a dental procedure like porcelain veneers, patients can experience plump, luscious lips without having to undergo plastic surgical procedures or dermal fillers. Dental veneers can improve the look of the smile and the entire face, and are permanent unlike dermal fillers. With veneers, patients can permanently enhance their lips and remove or reduce wrinkles in the corner of their mouth without having to endure frequent injections.

Consult with an experienced and dedicated prosthodontist can help you address any questions or concerns you may have when considering whether veneers are right for you. You may contact Dr. Ryne Johnson at Newton Prosthodontics by phone (617.965.1225) or by visiting his website NewtonProsthodontics.com. Remember, “See a specialist…the difference will make you smile.

Dental health is important to your overall physical health. However, finding a dentist you trust can be challenging. Prosthodontists, like Dr. Ryne Johnson of Newton Prosthodontics, are specialists who generally see fewer patients each day than a general dentist.  Therefore they spend more time with their patients delivering outstanding results.  Prosthodontists have three additional years of training or schooling than general dentists and prosthodontists’ patient-base are generally more demanding.

Prosthodontists are perfect for patients with some specific types of concerns:

• An educated patient who is seeking a specialist for mouth, teeth or jaw pain and has grown frustrated with volume-oriented, mainstream practices.
• People who have very high aesthetic demands and want to, ‘get-it-right’ the first time. Prosthodontists often lead a team of specialists, technicians and other dentists to craft a beautiful smile.
• Many people are retaining their teeth late into their life.  Even the best dentistry has a life span and begins to fail over time.  A prosthodontist is best suited to develop a comprehensive plan.
• People are taking better care of their oral health and are less likely to tolerate removable, ‘false teeth’.  Prosthodontists can develop a strategy using dental implants, crowns, bridges and veneers.
• Rare syndrome patients, cancer patients or patients born with malformed teeth can see a prosthodontist in order to address the problems of their teeth and gums.
• Those with severely worn teeth from acid reflux and modern diets can see a prosthodontist for veneers to replace missing tooth structure or to help stabilize a collapsed bite.

You hear the term cosmetic dentistry and you think, vanity or only for the movie stars, right?  But that is not true.  Did you know that Dr. Johnson at Newton Prosthodontics is regarded as a pioneer in computer generated, aesthetic dentistry?  You get a healthier mouth but by default you get a beautiful smile.

While the goal of cosmetic dentistry is to turn a regular smile into a great one, many of the procedures involved in restoring  teeth that are crooked, chipped, stained, or have gaps are considered cosmetic.  As are procedures to repair uneven gums or replace missing teeth.

Missing teeth, chipped or stained teeth or uneven gums can lead to dental health problems, which can then lead to overall health problems.
 
So, as a result of caring for you dental health, you walk away with a beautiful or handsome smile.

Before the start of any procedure, Dr. Johnson will perform an oral exam to check your oral health. He will then talk with you about your specific objectives. The goal of cosmetic dentistry is functionality along with enhancing your appearance.

Dr. Johnson takes into consideration everything from the shape of your face, your individual teeth, and the width of your smile in order to achieve harmony in your appearance.  The nuances considered are what separate dentistry, that “looks like dentistry”, from dentistry that, “has natural-looking, radiant beauty”.

Your smile may be improved with a procedure as simple as teeth whitening or it could mean more sophisticated care incorporating dental implants, veneers or crowns. Cosmetic dentistry can enhance your confidence, but more importantly, it will increase the health of your teeth.

Dr. Ryne Johnson is accepting new patients and can be reached at info@NewtonProsthodontics.com.  Remember, “See a Specialist…The Difference will Make you Smile”.

 - Jim Braude, 96.9 WTKK-FM and New England Cable News - "Michael Graham and I are patients of Ryne Johnson of Newton Prosthodontics.  I have spoken to so many of you who have made Dr. Johnson your dentist too ... lawyers, physical therapists, retired men and women, accountants, people in the media, people in working construction, and more. Well, add me to the list as my smile is my living."

Corina Miller, is a model, and she's a lead singer in a band too, who mostly works in New York and London. But she was in Boston recently and was discussing with her publicist how she wanted to improve her smile.

Her publicist knew that Dr. Johnson had many patients who spend time in front of the camera, and to a person they raved about the quality of his cosmetic work. So, Corina joined the growing list of people who swear by Dr. Johnson.

Here is some of what she said in her own words: "I couldn't be any happier or impressed with the outcome;  he is a  refreshingly unique type of dentist; with ease he made significant change that I always wanted but thought was impossible, feeling good about your smile makes one feel more connected with one's self and others."  She continues, "The results are  breath taking, I can't thank Dr. Johnson enough. He is efficient, thorough, and caring Dentist, trust me."

Click here to listen to the full story.

For a dramatic, yet natural looking improvement to your smile, consider porcelain veneers. Some smiles would be perfect with the slightest color change, or by changing the shape of one or more of the teeth. Veneers may be the answer.  

Dr. Ryne Johnson, prosthodontist, has been recognized as a Boston-area leader in cosmetic denstistry and routinely places veneers to correct color or shape.  One will find glowing testimonials from local TV personalities, world-class models, and other dentists when searching his practice on line.   According to Dr. Johnson, “there is a substantial difference between average veneers and imperceptible veneers.  Too often, poorly done veneers can look chunky or chalky.   Outstanding dental work should go unnoticed”.

Once in place, the veneers become your teeth. The bond is extremely strong, so you don’t have to make any concessions with veneers. And if your teeth are chipped or beginning to wear, veneers can protect them from damage. The final result is a more beautiful and natural looking smile!

Truly ones smile is their most eye-catching feature. But more than that, with a great smile, you can confidently navigate social and business situations. With cosmetic dentistry you no longer have to worry about your teeth or your smile, but cosmetic dentistry is a broad term that many don’t understand.

Some of the smallest dental procedures are considered cosmetic dentistry; teeth whitening for example. No surgery, no recovery, teeth whitening is a simple solution with a dramatic effect. Teeth whitening brightens teeth that are discolored or stained and changes your smile.

There are many techniques to whiten teeth:  over-the-counter options, dentist provided materials for take home and in-office procedures.  Each has its advantages but in general, the stronger (prescription strength) materials are used under the supervision of a dentist.  The materials with a higher concentration work faster, deeper and more complete than the ‘Whitestrips’ for example.

Located right here in Newton, is Dr. Ryne Johnson, one of the pioneers of dental bleaching. Dr. Johnson has been involved in this process since 1986 and has lectured throughout the U.S. on advancements in cosmetic dentistry.  Teeth whitening can be a long process, and with over-the-counter whiteners you need some time to notice the results. Newton Prosthodontics can give you a jump start on that process with an in-house visit.

Even the smallest change can make a dramatic difference in your smile and in the way you look and feel about yourself. See a specialist…The difference will make you smile.

If you have missing teeth, or are accustomed to hiding your smile with your hand, you need to feel the difference a confident smile can bring you. It is time to do something for you. If you have missing teeth, dental Implants are a great option.

Implants are actually anchored to your jawbone, and permanent dental work is affixed to that anchor.  According to prosthodontist, Dr. Ryne Johnson, there are three ways to incorporate implants into prosthetic dentistry:  using snaps to stabilize existing dentures, using bars to support a detachable prosthesis or a reconstruction with fixed-in-place bridgework. This provides a significant  improvement over resting a false tooth on the gum line or using adjacent teeth as anchors. Implants are long-term replacements and have a 30+ year track record of success.
 
Statistics demonstrate that less than 40% of dentists offer dental implants as part of their practice.  The American Dental Association’s standard of care demands that dental implants be discussed with patients in the course of discussing options with patients and failure to do so may be grounds for legal recourse.

What you need to keep in mind however, far beyond appearance, is that tooth loss can have a far-reaching effect on your dental health. Teeth clenching, jaw soreness and headaches can result from tooth loss. Likewise, teeth can move and suffer excessive wear and gums are more prone to periodontal disease.

However it is possible to replace one or all missing teeth and actually implant a working and natural looking tooth. Dental implants are artificial replacements designed to fully replace lost teeth both in functionality and in appearance.

If you are tired of the discomfort or appearance of missing teeth, or you want to see how a confident smile can change your life, contact Dr. Johnson at Newton Prosthodontics.

See a specialist…The difference will make you smile.

It is not too often that you come across someone who hasn’t heard of cosmetic dentistry. However, you may come across those who would like to enhance their smile, but they don’t know how, or what that entails. While cosmetic dentistry is obviously cosmetic in its approach, it isn’t always invasive or debilitating as you may imagine. Often people do not even realize that their dental work is considered cosmetic.

Veneers, teeth whitening and implants are all part of cosmetic dentistry. Did you know that teeth whitening is actually the most common form of cosmetic dentistry?  Many people wouldn’t even put it in that category. In fact, according to Dr. Ryne Johnson of Newton Prosthodontics, many patients will perform teeth whitening in conjunction with other dental procedures.  In this way, the new dentistry does not perpetuate the darker shades often seen with aging.

There are many reasons to opt for cosmetic dentistry, comfort being one. Your mouth and teeth may just be uncomfortable and orthodontics have not been successful. In this scenario, whether through genetics or an accident, cosmetic dentistry can surely improve your comfort and lifestyle.

Many use cosmetic dentistry to enhance their smile. This group of patients is increasing more and more as we put more emphasis on white teeth and stunning smiles. More and more business people and public personalities are understanding and can appreciate what a first impression a great smile can leave. Therefore, more and more people in the general public are turning to cosmetic dentistry.

Whether you are interested in cosmetic dentistry for comfort or to improve your smile, Dr. Ryne Johnson can work with you to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. And, be sure to like Newton Prosthodontics on Facebook in order to receive 5% right off the top.

As always, remember to "See a specialist...The difference will make you smile".

Newton Prosthodontics excels in restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry,  dental implants and reconstructive dentistry in an intimate and a relaxed atmosphere. We understand that the focus of care is you. We would like to keep you up to date on the latest practices in cosmetic dentistry, news on innovative care, and of course, patient testimonials. “Like us” on Facebook and get 5% off your services. That’s 5% right off the top of your bill. We firmly believe that a well educated patient is a happy patient.

By becoming our Friend on Facebook you will be able to see our blogs as soon as we post them. Here we give you information on cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and teeth whitening as well as other information about dental health.

Our philosophy of customer service, where the patient always comes first, enables us to offer customer-focused dentistry and the finest of care available. We are confident that you will notice the difference.