Dr. Shari Tahririan DDS

Dr. Shari Tahririan’s journey into dentistry was inspired by her lifelong passion for art. Raised in Oregon, her love for painting, sculpture, and meticulous detail found a perfect home in the world of dental care. She sees dentistry as a unique blend of clinical skill and artistic vision, allowing her to create beautiful, lasting smiles that bring people happiness.

Dr. Tahririan began her academic career in Portland, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a minor in Art from Portland State University in 2003. She then achieved her dental degree from Oregon Health & Science University in 2007. After practicing in Portland for three years, she moved to San Diego to further her professional goals.

Dr. Tahririan has been practicing dentistry in San Diego for over 15 years. She is dedicated to continuous learning and stays current with the latest techniques and technology in the field. As a member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and a certified Invisalign provider, she is equipped to handle a wide variety of patient needs, from bridges and root canals to restorative treatments.

For Dr. Tahririan, quality dental care is built on a foundation of compassion, a commitment to perfection, and truly listening to her patients. She believes this approach ensures everyone receives the best care possible.

When she is not in the office, Dr. Shari enjoys water activities and exploring new places through travel.

Dr. Peter F. Johnson, D.M.D.

Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics

Dr. Peter F. Johnson is a board-certified prosthodontist with more than five decades of experience in clinical practice, academia, research, and military service. A graduate of Princeton University (A.B., 1967) and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (D.M.D., 1971), he completed his specialty training in Prosthodontics at the University of Southern California in 1977.

Dr. Johnson served with distinction as a Captain in the United States Navy Dental Corps, holding numerous leadership roles, including Director of Prosthodontic Residency Training at the Naval Dental School, Bethesda, Maryland, and Director of the Area Dental Laboratory at the Naval Dental Clinic, San Diego. He retired from active duty in 1991 after 20 years of service, having received the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and other commendations for his contributions to military dentistry.

In parallel with his military career, Dr. Johnson became deeply engaged in dental education. He served as Clinical Associate Professor in the Continuing Education Department at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, co-directed the USC Odontic Seminar in San Diego, and lectured nationally and internationally on prosthodontics, implant dentistry, and esthetics. His teaching extended to the Naval Dental School, Georgetown University, and advanced prosthodontic programs for dental professionals.

A Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics since 1980, Dr. Johnson has been a prominent leader in organized dentistry. He is a past president of the American College of Prosthodontists (1993–1994) and has held multiple leadership positions within the organization, including Vice President, President-Elect, and Chair of numerous committees. He has also served on editorial boards for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry and the Journal of Prosthodontics, and remains active in professional societies such as the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, San Diego County Dental Society, and the International College of Prosthodontists.

Dr. Johnson’s scholarly contributions include numerous peer-reviewed publications on implant dentistry, prosthodontic treatment planning, esthetics, and dental materials. He has also delivered lectures and continuing education courses on implant prosthodontics, restorative techniques, and the integration of fixed and removable prosthodontics.

Recognized for his professional achievements and dedication to dentistry, Dr. Johnson has been honored with the Fellowship of the International College of Dentists, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, and the American College of Prosthodontists President’s Award.

Today, Dr. Johnson continues to contribute to the field of prosthodontics through clinical practice, mentorship, and thought leadership, maintaining his commitment to excellence in patient care and dental education.

Our Holistic Dental Overview

We serve patients who embrace holistic healthcare. While we support many scientifically-backed holistic treatments, we carefully evaluate each approach to ensure it meets our standards of care.

Treatments We Offer

Ceramic Zirconia Implants

Zirconia implants offer a metal-free alternative to traditional titanium implants. Made from zirconia dioxide, these ceramic implants provide several advantages:

Key Benefits:

• Biocompatible and hypoallergenic
• Natural white color for improved aesthetics
• Strong, durable, and long-lasting
• Reduced risk of gum inflammation

These implants work well for patients with metal sensitivities or those seeking a completely metal-free solution.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy harnesses your body’s natural healing power using concentrated platelets from your own blood.

The Process:

1. We draw a small blood sample
2. The blood is centrifuged to concentrate platelets
3. The PRP is applied to the treatment area

Benefits:

• Accelerates tissue healing
• Reduces inflammation
• Stimulates collagen production
• Promotes faster recovery

Ozone Therapy

Ozone therapy uses a reactive form of oxygen to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Applications:

• Treating gum disease by targeting harmful bacteria
• Disinfecting root canals during treatment
• Preventing cavities by strengthening tooth enamel
• Reducing tooth sensitivity
• Improving overall oral hygiene

Important Note: Ozone treats bacterial infections but cannot repair existing decay or fractures.

Dental Cavitations

Dental cavitations are empty spaces in the jawbone, typically resulting from incomplete tooth extractions or root canals. While some practitioners frequently diagnose this condition, our experience tells a different story.

Our Findings:
Out of 200 suspected cavitation cases we’ve evaluated, only 6 were confirmed and successfully treated. We recommend evaluation by our oral surgeon or maxillofacial radiologist for accurate diagnosis using advanced imaging like cone beam CT scans.

A Case of Mistaken Identity: When Dental Pain Isn’t Dental

We recently treated a patient who came to us with what appeared to be dental cavitations. After careful examination, we discovered her pain actually stemmed from damaged stylohyoid ligaments—a classic case of Eagle syndrome.

Eagle syndrome happens when an elongated styloid process (a small bone beneath your ear) or calcified stylohyoid ligament irritates surrounding nerves. The result? Pain that feels exactly like a dental problem.

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp facial and tooth pain
• Ear discomfort
• Trouble swallowing
• The sensation of something stuck in your throat

This case highlights why proper diagnosis matters. What seems like a straightforward dental issue may require a comprehensive examination, detailed patient history, and imaging studies to uncover the real culprit.  Sometimes the answer lies not in your teeth, but in the delicate structures nearby.

Failed Root Canal Retreatments

When a root canal fails after retreatment and involves surrounding bone and gums (periodontal involvement), treatment options become limited. Symptoms include recurring pain, gum swelling, and tooth mobility.

Our Approach:
We evaluate each case individually. Treatment may include endodontic surgery or tooth extraction with implant replacement. Contact us for a consultation or send us your recent CT scan for evaluation.

Non-Toxic Dental Fillings

We use biocompatible materials free from concerning chemicals like BPA, BHT, HMBP, DPCL, TPSb, HEMA, and TEGDMA. These materials eliminate concerns about endocrine disruption and potential developmental effects.

Safe Amalgam Removal

When amalgam removal is necessary, we follow the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) protocol:

• Rubber dam isolation
• Slow-speed drilling with extensive water cooling
• High-volume suction with specialized filtration
• Oxygen administration during procedure
• Post-procedure charcoal or chlorella rinse

Important Considerations:

• Removal requires careful evaluation of each case
• The process may weaken teeth by removing healthy structure
• The FDA doesn’t recommend removing intact amalgam fillings unless medically necessary
• Removal temporarily increases mercury vapor exposure

The ADA considers dental amalgam to be safe and deems it unethical to replace solely based on unproven health claims. For removal, the standard ADA code is D2950, which covers amalgam removal and tooth preparation. Intact amalgams should only be removed when medically necessary, not for health concerns without substantiated evidence.

We assess each situation individually to determine if amalgam removal is appropriate and beneficial for your specific case.

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For consultations or to discuss your specific needs, please contact our office. We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your oral health