TIME FOR A CHECK-UP! “We are set apart as a boutique concierge dentistry. I am always accessible to patients. If someone has an emergency, I will be there for them. There is no middleman, no separation between me and my patients. For me, it’s all about the patients.” Dr. Janak Tull, DMD, of DenTull Dentistry, is a general and cosmetic dentist, who provides a full range of treatments and procedures for patients of all ages.

By Jean Stratton

“I like jokes!” says Dr. Janak Tull, DMD.

He goes on to relate this remark to his dental practice, and how it underscores his approach to his patients.

“I want to help people be able to laugh at a joke. If they haven’t been able to smile because of problems with their teeth, I want to help them to change that. Being able to express your emotions — laugh and smile — is so important. I want to help someone with something that is meaningful to their happiness and health.”

Dr. Janak, as he is known, has been practicing for six years at DenTull Dentistry, which was opened at 214 North Harrison Street by his mother Dr. Lekha Tull, DDS in 1986. A highly skilled and experienced dentist in many areas, he is a favorite with his patients. Many are of long-standing, having started with his mother. Many others are new to DenTull, having recently discovered the practice.

Pain-Free

And while many are located in Princeton and the area, others come from farther away, One patient, who has had long-standing anxiety when faced with a visit to the dentist, drives an hour each way to see Dr. Janak.

“He provides the most pain-free, comfortable treatment I have ever had,” she explains. Her comment is representative of many other patients who while perhaps not exactly looking forward to a trip to the dentist, nevertheless do enjoy spending time with Dr. Janak.

A career in dentistry was something he expected to be in his future, from the time, as a boy, he watched his mother at work. Despite his love of art, talent as a painter, study of art history in college, and a B.A. degree in studio art, he knew he wanted to be a dentist. Helping his mother and watching her at work intensified his interest in dentistry, and ideally, he hoped to be able to incorporate his artistic skill into his work. As he states, “A work of art is a powerful thing!”

After graduation from college, he enrolled in the Midwestern School of Dental Medicine in Arizona, obtaining his DMD degree in Doctorate of Dental Medicine. There, he received extensive training in all aspects of oral healthcare, including dental restorations, oral surgery, and prosthodontics.

Before joining his mother at DenTull, Dr. Janak completed several postgraduate courses in dental implantology and laser dentistry.

The comfort of his patients has always been uppermost in his practice, and this includes bringing his personality and unique background into the office. The vibe at DenTull is very relaxed and laid back. Along with the state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, there is a comfortable office setting, cheerful decor, exam rooms with bright colors, and an overall welcoming tone.

The Whole Person

Interaction with the patient on more than one level is his M. O. He takes a personalized approach, learning about his patient’s lifestyle and interests.

“I practice evidence-based holistic dentistry,” he explains. “That means I take into consideration the whole person. Many things affect the teeth, including diet, lifestyle, stress, etc.”

Helping to relieve dental anxiety definitely falls into that category, and he brings his “compassionate chair-side” manner to ease the patient’s concerns. As he says, “We know there are patients who really are afraid to go to the dentist. We do all we can to alleviate that stress. Also, people fear the unknown. When they understand the condition and the procedure, they are more comfortable.”

When he sees a patient for the first time, Dr. Janak performs a comprehensive examination. “It is very thorough,” he points out, “and includes full mouth X-rays, identifying existing restorations (crowns, fillings, bridges, etc.), identifying restorations that are breaking down and need to be replaced, evaluation of the gums, of the bone level, checking for oral cancer, and instruction about oral hygiene techniques.

“Helping patients to understand the importance of dental hygiene techniques is really more important than anything,” he emphasizes. “This is about prevention. It can include a power brush, flossing, and Water Pik. I help them understand how to do it properly.”

He believes so strongly in this that he regularly visits Princeton area schools, explaining about the importance of proper dental hygiene.

Same-Day

While his area of expertise is widespread, ranging from fillings and extractions to crowns, veneers, and bonding to implants clear aligners, TMJ, and sleep apnea treatments, crowns are a particular specialty.

“We have a CEREC milling machine on-site, allowing patients to receive same-day crowns,” he explains. “Not having to come back to continue the procedure is greatly appreciated by the patients.”
Implants and clear aligners have also become very important aspects of his practice. Implants can make a real different in someone’s life. A person may have a broken or missing tooth, and be self-conscious about it. An implant can help improve the individual’s self-confidence and overall wellbeing.

“I do fully guided implant surgery,” explains Dr. Janak, “and this is unusual for a general dentist.”

Clear aligners are also becoming very important. The alignment of the teeth is a crucial factor, he points out. “When teeth are aligned properly, they will function properly. And improving the alignment is not just for kids, it’s for adults too. The SureSmile Company offers clear aligner therapy, similar to Invisalign, and we recommend it. It has a special device that helps tooth movement, and it shortens the treatment time.”

Sleep apnea is an increasing problem for many individuals. Caused by a blockage of the air passage while one is sleeping, it can interrupt breathing. After a test to determine if a patient has the condition and the level of severity, various treatments are available. Oral dental appliances, similar to orthodontic retainers or night guards, are one method, as is the Continuous Air Pressure (CPAP) machine.

Brighter Smile

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder is another condition that Dr. Janak treats. Resulting from joint tension, teeth grinding and joint clenching, TMJ problems can involve pain and other unpleasant symptoms. Customized oral appliance therapy, such as a mouth guard, worn during sleep, can be helpful.

A brighter smile is always desirable, and many people are interested in teeth whitening these days. Dr. Janak offers in-office whitening procedures, and also suggests trying out an over-the-counter whitening product first to see whether there is sensitivity.

“I test everything on myself,” he reports, “and I recommend using Boka toothpaste, which helps to remineralize and strengthen the enamel. This can be used in conjunction with whitening.”

Patients should come in twice a year for check-ups and more often if they have is a serious condition. Dr. Janak’s patients are all ages, including the youngest children when they get their first teeth. “It’s important to make sure that they are coming in correctly,” he explains.

With new advances in dentistry all the time, continuing education is critical, he adds. “Online, study groups, and consulting with colleagues are all part of this. We need to keep up-to-date with the latest information and treatments in order to do our best for our patients.”

Dr. Janak is very proud to be carrying on the tradition his mother established. As he says, “I feel so amazingly lucky to build on what my mom began and continue what she started. She was always on the cutting edge, a pioneer in so many ways.

More To Learn

“Everyone has a dream of what they hope their life will be, what they want to accomplish, and no one is prepared for what they will actually have to do,” he continues. “But if you follow what you want to do, and if you’re in the right place, what you actually do can be even better than the dream. I have learned this.

“The challenge is finding the confidence to master your skills, but knowing that there is always more to learn. This is so important. I am always learning. I continue my education, so that I may help my patients even more.”

He adds that he feels very fortunate to be able to practice in Princeton where he grew up. “I want to give back to Princeton, and I look forward to building a foundation in the community, providing the highest level of dental care, while helping to elevate the hygiene of my patients, and ultimately helping them learn how to provide the best care for themselves.”

Remember, he adds, “Think of your teeth like a car that you will have for your entire life. In the case of teeth, you get the permanent ‘car’ when you are eight years old, and you have to keep it in good working order forever.”

DenTull Dentistry works with all insurance companies, and is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information, call (609) 921-5171. Visit the website at www.dentull.com.