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patient experience

What are your hours?

Patient hours in our Maple Valley office are Mondays from 9am to 5pm and occasional Saturday mornings. Patient hours in our Renton office are Tuesdays from 9am to 5pm, Thursdays 7am to 4pm and Fridays 7am to 3pm. Administrative hours are Monday through Wednesday from 9am to 5pm, Thursday and Friday from 7am to 4pm.

When do I stop eating if I am to be fasting for surgery?

You should stop eating and drinking (even water) six hours prior to your scheduled surgery appointment time.  If you have medications that need to be taken, you may do so with small sips of water only.

When am I supposed to take the Motrin?

For our patients who are having their wisdom teeth removed, we give two motrin tablets (1200 mg. total) to be taken 12 hours prior to their surgery appointment time.  With dinner the night before or before going to bed is perfectly acceptable – it doesn’t need to be exactly 12 hours beforehand.

What should I do the day after surgery?

The most important thing that you can do the day after surgery is rest!  You shouldn’t make plans – regardless of how well you may feel.  Stay off of your feet and catch up on sleep or TV time.  You should also start brushing your teeth carefully as it is very important to keep your mouth clean following surgery.  Warm salt water rinses 3-4 times a day are also recommended to help clean the surgical sites.  As far as eating goes, you can eat what you are comfortable with (make sure you don't eat anything that hurts, or anything that can wedge itself into the extractions sites like popcorn, chips, nuts or rice), although we do recommend sticking to soft foods such as ice cream, pudding, jello, apple sauce, cottage cheese, yoghurt, soup, pasta, mashed potatoes or eggs.  You should make sure to take your medications that have been prescribed to aid in your healing as well.  As always, please   feel free to call our office should you have any questions.

Why do I need a panoramic x-ray for my wisdom teeth appointment?

Dr. Johnson will need to see a current panoramic x-ray during your wisdom teeth removal examination appointment. A panoramic x-ray is a large film that enables Dr. Johnson to see your entire jaw and all of your teeth.  He needs to be able to see the entire root system of the teeth to be removed.  There is the nerve in the lower jaw, which controls your lip, cheek and tongue and it is necessary for Dr. Johnson to know where those teeth are in conjunction with that nerve and also the sinus cavities which are involved when we remove the upper teeth.

Are you a preferred provider with my insurance?

We accept all insurances, however the only company that we are preferred with is Washington Dental Service.  If in question you should contact your insurance company prior to your examination appointment and ask them if they require you to see a preferred provider.

I am very fearful.  Is your staff going to make this easier for me?

We understand that oral surgery is not a pleasant experience and that a lot of people have dental related fears.    We offer both general anesthesia and nitrous oxide to help make the procedure easier.  We also take the time at your examination appointment to explain exactly what to expect during and after surgery to help alleviate your fears.

Do I need to have a referral to come to your office?

The referral for Dr. Johnson is basically like a prescription from the dentist, so therefore, all parties who are involved, including yourself, will know exactly what will take place on the day of your consultation and through the course of your surgery.

How much will surgery cost?

There are many different procedures that Dr. Johnson performs, including many types of extractions.  When you come in for your examination appointment, Dr. Johnson will be able to determine exactly what it is that needs to be performed.  At that point, we will be able to give you a quote along with an estimate of insurance coverage, if you have any.

Why do I need to have an exam?

We see you for an examination appointment so that we can discuss all the aspects of your surgery.  We will be reviewing pre operative and post operative instructions and possible options for surgery. You can discuss any questions and / or concerns with Dr. Johnson at this time as well.   It is also very important for us to review your medical history, current medical problems and any medications you are on so that we can safely perform surgery. At the conclusion of your examination visit, we will give you a quote of what procedures need to be done and an estimate of insurance coverage, if you have any. We will do our best to find a mutually agreeable date and time for your surgery as well.

How long has Dr. Johnson been in practice?

Dr. Johnson has been in private practice since July of 1990.  He completed his residency at Sinai Hospital of Detroit in June of 1990.  He completed Dental School in June of 1986 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Is Dr. Johnson related to Dr. Andy Johnson?

Yes. Dr. Carl Johnson and Dr. Andy Johnson are brothers.  Andy is an endodontist.  Their other brother, Eric, is an orthodontist who practices in Pocatello, Idaho.  Interestingly enough, their father was a teacher!