 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
One Friday per month: 8AM – 4PM
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?
We are accepting a limited number of new patient appointments.
Please note: new patient appointments are only
available to individuals that are current patient and specialist
referrals due to very high demand for new patient appointments in
our practice.
To enable our New Patient Coordinator the opportunity to schedule
your new patient appointment please download the New Patient Form
below and fax (250-595-4884), scan and e-mail (drbjornson@drbjornson.com)
or hand deliver the form to our office.
Given there are a limited number of new patient appointments
available in our Practice and for those individuals that are in
search of a new Dental Care Team, as an alternative option please
click on http://www.bcdental.org/ the BC
Dental Association and then click on "Find A Dentist" to obtain
information relating to all Dentist's in Victoria that are
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 90
minutes 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. A valid credit card
is required to hold your new patient reservation at the time it is
appointed.
As a mandatory part of the 90 minute New Patient Exam each new
patient will be seen not only by Dr. John but by a member of our
Hygiene Team and your teeth will be cleaned in addition to x-rays
being updated. Teeth cleaning is the removal of dental plaque
and tartar from teeth to prevent cavities (dental caries),
gingivitis, and periodontitis. X-rays and teeth cleaning are part
of a complete program of oral hygiene that is required in order to
become a new patient at our Practice.
We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and being given
the opportunity to exceed your expectations of what a dental
experience is all about!
NOTE: As courtesy to our new patients, we would like to
communicate that each New Patient Exam is subject to a $50.00
consultation fee. We like to proactively provide this
information as the fee is not covered under most insurance
plans.
 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 to ensure optimal oral health.
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 - $100.00 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. Each patient
in our Practice is required to maintain annual visits with us to
ensure our Team is able to provide optimal dental care and to
identify and hopefully prevent any dental issues before they
arise.
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, Master Card, debit cards
and offer Dental Card 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. |