expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Josephine Lynne Stokes, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Josephine Stokes is a Dentist practicing in Eugene, OR. Dr. Stokes specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Dr. Josephine Lynne Stokes, DDS
  • Eugene, OR
  • Accepting new patients

How do you get the swelling to go down after a dental implant?

If a dental implant (the part of the implant that is placed in the bone) was placed today, that is the surgical portion of the implant process. Your surgeon likely recommends READ MORE
If a dental implant (the part of the implant that is placed in the bone) was placed today, that is the surgical portion of the implant process. Your surgeon likely recommends ice and anti inflammatories to minimize swelling. Some swelling should be expected from any surgical procedure.

Hope this helps,
Jossi Stokes, DDS

Will a dry socket heal on its own?

Dry sockets can heal on their own, however, they can be quite painful. Your dentist can place medication that will reduce the discomfort almost immediately. It is advised to READ MORE
Dry sockets can heal on their own, however, they can be quite painful. Your dentist can place medication that will reduce the discomfort almost immediately. It is advised to follow up with your dentist so they can get you on the quickest road to healing.
Hope this helps,
Jossi Stokes, DDS

Is throbbing pain normal after dentures?

No, throbbing pain is not normal after dentures. Likely there is something that needs adjustment.
Hope this helps,
Jossi Stokes, DDS

What happens if you don't floss with braces?

If flossing doesn’t happen while in braces, the risk of cavities in between the teeth is much higher. Braces trap a lot of debris and it is very important to have impeccable homecare. Hope READ MORE
If flossing doesn’t happen while in braces, the risk of cavities in between the teeth is much higher. Braces trap a lot of debris and it is very important to have impeccable homecare.
Hope this helps.
Jossi Stokes, DDS

Does massaging gums help toothaches?

Massaging gums does not typically help toothaches.

Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

Can an old filling be replaced?

To simply answer your question- yes a filling can be replaced. There are some factors when a dentist is making those recommendations. If the filling is already very large and READ MORE
To simply answer your question- yes a filling can be replaced. There are some factors when a dentist is making those recommendations. If the filling is already very large and taking up most of the tooth, a discussion should be had to decide if a filling is the right course of action or if an alternative is more durable.

Hope this helps,
Jossi Stokes, DDS

How many times a day can you rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide?

You can rinse your mouth essentially as often as you need. One to two times a day for 30 seconds is typical guidelines, but if you have recently had surgery or you have been given READ MORE
You can rinse your mouth essentially as often as you need. One to two times a day for 30 seconds is typical guidelines, but if you have recently had surgery or you have been given specific instructions by your dentist, it is a good idea to follow them.
Hope this helps,
Jossi Stokes, DDS

Should your tooth hurt after a filling?

Simply put, no, a tooth should not hurt after a filling. But sometimes that is not the case. Your dentist should give you post operative expectations after the treatment. If a READ MORE
Simply put, no, a tooth should not hurt after a filling. But sometimes that is not the case. Your dentist should give you post operative expectations after the treatment. If a filling is large or close to the nerve, there could be some sensations (hot, cold or biting sensitivity) to be expected. All of these should go away and if they don’t, a follow-up is necessary.

Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

Returning back to work?

Typically the anesthetic lasts about 2 hours (depending on metabolism). If it is a tooth on the lower arch, anesthetic can sometimes numb the tongue along with the lip and cheek. READ MORE
Typically the anesthetic lasts about 2 hours (depending on metabolism). If it is a tooth on the lower arch, anesthetic can sometimes numb the tongue along with the lip and cheek. Talking is possible, but has a strange sensation. If it is an upper tooth, the anesthetic is more localized to the area of work and isn’t as awkward. It is a personal preference if you go back to work, but you should be able to work.

Hope this helps,
Jossi Stokes, DDS

Does composite bonding ruin your natural teeth?

Composite bonding does not ruin natural teeth. Bonding is a very conservative way to treat teeth from problems of chips and cavities to how brackets are bonded to teeth for braces. READ MORE
Composite bonding does not ruin natural teeth. Bonding is a very conservative way to treat teeth from problems of chips and cavities to how brackets are bonded to teeth for braces. If a composite bond fails, it is typically due to an issue with the enamel surrounding the composite.

Hope this helps,
Jossi Stokes, DDS

Will the pain of a chipped tooth go away?

It is likely that the pain in a chipped tooth will go away eventually. The more complicated answer is “depends on how big the chip is and what happened to create the chip”. Typically READ MORE
It is likely that the pain in a chipped tooth will go away eventually. The more complicated answer is “depends on how big the chip is and what happened to create the chip”. Typically it means a tooth was bumped or hit and depending on the amount of force that the tooth sustained will dictate if the sensitivity will go away. It is best to check in with your dentist to answer these questions.
Hope this helps,
Jossi Stokes, DDS

Are braces uncomfortable?

Braces can start out being uncomfortable. This is typically because the mouth is not accustom to the braces or the pressure they place on the teeth to move them. Once the first READ MORE
Braces can start out being uncomfortable. This is typically because the mouth is not accustom to the braces or the pressure they place on the teeth to move them. Once the first few days/weeks go by, there should be very little discomfort (perhaps only when the braces are tightened).


Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

How painful is all on 4 dental implants?

The actual all on 4 dental implants should not be painful. The worst part is removing all the teeth and healing from that surgery.

Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

Is it ever too late to start flossing?

It is NEVER too late to start flossing! Well, maybe once you have dentures, then it might be too late.


Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

What should a tooth extraction look like when healing?

The first day or two you will likely see a blood clot in the socket site. It isn’t unusual to look dark red mixed with some white areas. After about a week it will begin to fill READ MORE
The first day or two you will likely see a blood clot in the socket site. It isn’t unusual to look dark red mixed with some white areas. After about a week it will begin to fill in with gum tissue but it will still look like a little socket (or pocket). For the ridge to completely smooth out it can take a few weeks to months.


Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

Does drinking water help toothache?

Drinking water in general usually does not have any effect on a toothache.

Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

Can you get dental implants if you have full dentures?

Yes, implants are possible with full dentures. There are many options to consider so visiting with your dentist is the first step.



Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

How do you stop gums from hurting after flossing?

Gums typically shouldn't hurt after flossing if everything is healthy. If your gums are sore, there could be something wrong. Consistency with flossing is key and making sure READ MORE
Gums typically shouldn't hurt after flossing if everything is healthy. If your gums are sore, there could be something wrong. Consistency with flossing is key and making sure it is done properly is also important. If flossing produces bleeding gums, either there is inflammation due to gingivitis or one could be flossing too hard. Be sure the technique is correct and check with a professional.

Hope this helps,
Jossi Stokes, DDS

What are the symptoms of a dying nerve in a tooth?

A dying nerve can have a range of symptoms from sensitivity to hot, cold, chewing, air or it can have no symptoms at all while it is dying. The bigger question is how long do READ MORE
A dying nerve can have a range of symptoms from sensitivity to hot, cold, chewing, air or it can have no symptoms at all while it is dying. The bigger question is how long do the symptoms last. A classic case of a nerve dying is when someone swallows ice water and the tooth is sensitive and it lingers for a while after the cold water is gone. These are tests a dentist can do for you and it should be evaluated by a professional.



Hope this helps,
Jossi Stokes, DDS

What happens if I don't wear my rubber bands for 2 days?

The rubber bands are helping the teeth move in the desired direction. If they are not worn for 2 days, the movement will not happen and the goal of the teeth moving to a certain READ MORE
The rubber bands are helping the teeth move in the desired direction. If they are not worn for 2 days, the movement will not happen and the goal of the teeth moving to a certain position will be delayed.


Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS