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 What
is Dr. John's specialty?
We specialize in comprehensive and restorative dental care
for adults and children with a strong focus on continual patient
education. We offer a convenient location, a fun-spirited staff,
and the newest technologies available.
What
are your office hours?
Monday - Thursday: 8AM – 4PM
Alternate Fridays: 8AM – 1PM
Please
call our office at 250-595-3377 or e-mail us at drbjornson@drbjornson.com to
schedule your appointment today.
Is
Dr. John accepting new patients?
Dr. Bjornson is
currently accepting new patients through referral only. There
are a limited number of new patient appointments available in 2010
due to extremely high demand. Please contact our office at
250-595-3377 for further details.
We do appreciate the interest of those
that would like to become a new patient in our Practice.
Given we are not actively accepting new patients and for
those individuals that are in search of a new Dental Care Team
please click on
http://www.bcdental.org/ the BC Dental Association and then click
on "Find A Dentist" to obtain information relating to a Dentist
that is accepting new patients.
Please click here
to download our New Patient Form.
What
should I expect in a new patient appointment?
As a new
guest of our practice we would like to reserve two hours of time
with each patient in order for a comprehensive exam of your mouth
to be completed and ensure any questions or concerns are addressed
regarding your oral health.
NOTE:
In the interest of ensuring that our patient care remains
premiere for all patients, we do limit the number of new patients
we accept into our practice.
 How
often should I see a dentist?
The Canadian Dental
Association CDA guidelines recommend visiting a dentist at least
twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning. Our office
also recommends a minimum of two visits per year.
What
if I have a dental emergency?
If you are an existing patient of Dr. John’s please call our office
as soon as you determine that you have a dental emergency. We will
be glad to work you in to our schedule if you have a dental
emergency during regular business hours. After hours, over the
weekend and during holidays please call our office for instructions
at 250-595-3377.
If you are not an existing patient of
Dr. John’s please click on
http://www.bcdental.org
the BC Dental Association and then click on "Find A Dentist" - then
click on Dental Emergencies to obtain information relating to
Dental Emergencies.
What
is Dr. John’s cancellation policy?
If you find you cannot keep an appointment, please call the office
at least 48 hours in advance. This is critical and will allow the
opportunity to schedule someone else in that time
slot.
 Why do I have to
pay a fee if I miss an appointment?
A fee of $75.00 will be levied for missed or cancelled appointments
without the minimum 48 hours notice. This may seem harsh, but our
only other option would be to increase the entire fee for everyone
by the average value of missed appointments in the entire practice.
Since we expend much time and effort to utilize technology and
treatment plans that save you time, each appointment is very
important. Please understand that missed or cancelled appointments
increase the cost of treatment for everyone and no one appreciates
having to subsidize other peoples’ missed
appointments.
Do
I really need regular appointments?
Some people neglect regular visits because they have healthy teeth.
In fact, regular appointments are about more than just clean teeth.
We also check for signs of oral cancer. Early detection of cavities
allows for more conservative treatment.
What treatments will my dental insurance cover?
Contrary to popular belief, our dental staff does not know
which dental procedures are covered under your plan, and which are
not. Your dental plan is a contract between you and your
insurance carrier. You, the patient, are responsible for
educating yourself about such things as -
- procedures
that are covered by your plan
- to
what extent or percentage of the actual cost they are
covered
- annual
maximums in your plan
Dental
insurance carriers consider the details of your plan to be private
since the Privacy Act was introduced in 2004, and will no
longer release information about your plan to a dentist or our
dental office staff.
How
can I avoid gum disease?
Chances are you will be affected by gum disease at some point in
your lifetime. Initially it often appears without symptoms,
but it is progressive and is the leading cause of tooth loss in
adults. Furthermore, without treatment, bone loss in your jaw
is inevitable and can alter your facial appearance, speech, and
diet over time.
In
order to avoid gum disease Dr. John can perform your regular exam
and our Hygiene Team clean your teeth to remove plaque, the
disease-causing biofilm that builds up on your teeth and can harden
into tartar. Brushing and flossing instruction and
explanations about your oral health needs will also be provided
during your visit.
 When
should I floss?
You only have to
floss once a day and we recommend doing it in the evening, the last
thing before bed (but it can be done at any convenient time). The
brightest pearl of wisdom we can offer is to “floss first” (BEFORE
you brush) and floss gently with unwaxed floss that resists
shredding. There are implements available to help you reach back
teeth. After flossing, brush and rinse thoroughly so bacteria can't
enjoy any leftovers caught between your teeth while you sleep. This
will make bacteria less likely to secrete acids that cause
decay.
Is
clenching my teeth dangerous?
Clenching your jaw
excessively when you are stressed or during sleep is not normal and
can damage teeth and lead to headaches, joint problems and tooth
fractures. Untreated, clenching and grinding your teeth can cause
hypersensitivity to hot and cold, fractures and even loosen teeth.
Early diagnosis and treatment can ward off pain before it
starts and help you avoid the problems associated with this
condition.
 Do pregnant
women have special dental needs?
The changes that arise
in a woman's dental health when she is expecting may surprise the
average person. For instance, a problem called pregnancy gingivitis
shows up in most pregnant women caused by increases in hormones
that change blood flow. Gums may become puffy and bleed easily.
Contact us with any questions about pregnancy and your dental
health. We share your excitement as you look forward to your new
family member and are here to help with any special
needs.
What
happens when I lose a back tooth?
If a back tooth is lost,
it can have a significant effect on one's appearance. Teeth shift
when the missing tooth is no longer there to support the others,
creating changes in your bite. A sinking or puckering may also
become obvious between cheeks and mouth, and lips may look thinner
and straighter. There are many options for replacement; bridges,
implants, or partials may be a good option. A bridge can be used to
keep the teeth functioning properly and maintain their stability or
implants may be the treatment of choice. Come talk with us about
what option will work best for you.
Bone
loss in the jaw will always follow the loss of a tooth and can
cause facial changes, speech changes and diet changes. Successfully
placed dental implants cause the bone to grow around the anchor and
firmly hold it in place. Dental implants can restore normal eating
and speaking abilities, increase denture retention and enhance
facial appearance.
 What
insurance do I have?
It is best to find
out from your company's Human Resource group about what insurance
you have and bring information with you to your appointment. We can
check our computer to see if we have your employer's dental
coverage on file.
Why
do I have to pay at the time of service?
As a courtesy to our
patients, we will gladly process your insurance claim forms. Our
responsibility is to provide you with the treatment that best meets
your needs, not to try to match your care to insurance plan
limitations. Therefore, when a service has been provided, it is the
patient's responsibility to pay estimated portions at the time of
service. Patients without insurance must pay in full at time of
service.
 What
should I expect during my appointment?
One of our staff
members will compile your medical and dental history during your
first visit. We will then examine your teeth and gums, screen you
for oral cancer, make X-rays of your teeth as needed and complete a
TMJ (temporomandibular or jaw joint) exam. After we review your
dental profile, we will discuss a diagnosis with you. If treatment
such as a root canal (endodontics), braces (orthodontics) or oral
surgery is needed, we will plan to treat you in our office or refer
you to a specialist. We will discuss your options for treatment and
fee payment and help you determine the best plan to fit your needs.
During regular follow-up visits, we will examine your teeth
and gums, screen you for oral cancer, clean your teeth and make
plans for treatment, as needed. We will discuss any pain or
problems you may be experiencing and answer any questions you may
have.
What
does painless dentistry mean?
Painless dentistry is a
means of ensuring your total experience in our office is as
stress-free and pain-free as possible. We will discuss treatment
options that may require no local anesthetic and whenever possible,
alleviate pain by the means most comfortable to you.
 Why
should I choose CEREC for my crown, inlay, onlay, or
veneer?
Most dental
restorative methods require more than one visit to the dentist.
This means that on the first visit, you get an injection of
anesthesia, your tooth prepared, an impression taken, and a
temporary restoration put on your tooth. You make a second
appointment for a couple of weeks later, get another injection,
have the temporary pried off (if it hasn't fallen off already), and
have a permanent restoration put on. Why go to the dentist a second
time when you don't have to? With CEREC, the procedure is done in a
single appointment, start to finish.
Are
payment plans available for my dental treatment?
Yes. We accept many
types of dental insurance and will process your claim for you upon
receipt of your co-payment. We accept cash, most major credit
cards, including Visa, MasterCard, debit cards and offer DentalCard
financing. (www.dentalcard.ca)
 What
if I have a gap in my teeth, a chipped tooth or teeth that do not
respond to normal bleaching methods?
Porcelain
veneers are designed to look like your natural teeth and are
individually and permanently attached to the fronts of your
existing teeth. Bonding utilizes a composite material made of
plastic to fill in areas of your teeth and correct chipping and
shape problems. Both porcelain veneers and bonding are
color-matched to the rest of your teeth.
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