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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.
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Dr. Josephine Lynne Stokes, DDS
  • Eugene, OR
  • Accepting new patients

What is the cause of bad breath?

If I could give one answer, I would say bacteria. Our mouths have it at all times and typically we can keep them under control. It is when there is somewhere we can't reach with READ MORE
If I could give one answer, I would say bacteria. Our mouths have it at all times and typically we can keep them under control. It is when there is somewhere we can't reach with our homecare, they will multiply and get out of control. If our mouths are dry and we are not creating enough saliva to wash it away, bacteria can have the same party. There are a few times where it might indicate a systemic condition (for example acid reflux). If you have visited your dentist and the mouth is a healthy place, you might want to go to your doctor.



Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

Do you floss before or after you brush your teeth?

This is a great question and you are not the first to ask. I would recommend flossing after brushing. Studies have shown that it doesn't make as much difference as you would think. READ MORE
This is a great question and you are not the first to ask. I would recommend flossing after brushing. Studies have shown that it doesn't make as much difference as you would think. The fact that it will be added to your oral regemine is great! Happy flossing!
Jossi Stokes, DDS

How do you stop your wisdom teeth from hurting?

Unfortunately there is not much you can do that will take care of it permanently except have them removed. Sometime ibuprofen or tylenol can help with shortterm pain, but you READ MORE
Unfortunately there is not much you can do that will take care of it permanently except have them removed. Sometime ibuprofen or tylenol can help with shortterm pain, but you should try to get in to see an oral surgeon as soon as you can.



Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

What happens when you get a tooth implant?

Your dentist will evaluate the site where the implant will go and decide what size implant is proper. The implant is surgically placed and a healing cap is screwed on over the READ MORE
Your dentist will evaluate the site where the implant will go and decide what size implant is proper. The implant is surgically placed and a healing cap is screwed on over the implant. Healing time is typically 4 months before the implant can be restored. When it is ready to be restored, your dentist will scan or impress the implant and send it to a lab for an abutment and crown to go over the implant. Once it is back from the lab, it is screwed or cemented on to the implant. It is very important to have regular check ups. Even though an implant cannot get decay, it can get periodontal disease. It should be checked annually.


Good luck,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

Should I whiten my teeth three times a year?

This is a common question and a little difficult to answer as there are many different whitening systems out there now. A good guideline is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. READ MORE
This is a common question and a little difficult to answer as there are many different whitening systems out there now. A good guideline is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. If the system was delivered or obtained by a dentist, he or she should have the recommended frequency. There are whitening systems that have "touch up" recommendations and 3 times a year might be appropriate, but it would be modified from the initial whitening regimen that you began.

Hope this is helpful,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

What keeps causing sporadic jaw pain?

The jaw is a complicated joint and there are many possibilities of why it may be occurring. I would recommend seeing a dentist first. Your dentist will evaluate to see if it is READ MORE
The jaw is a complicated joint and there are many possibilities of why it may be occurring. I would recommend seeing a dentist first. Your dentist will evaluate to see if it is a muscle or joint issue and have recommendations of what to do. There may be a device that is helpful or physical therapy might be in your future. Best bet, follow up with your dentist.

Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

Is flossing effective?

Yes! It is very effective- keep up the great work and you'll keep your teeth for a lifetime!
Jossi Stokes, DDS

How do you stop a broken tooth from hurting?

Usually when a tooth breaks, it is the temperature that bothers the tooth the most. There is dental wax that can be purchased to cover the tooth. It will need to be removed to READ MORE
Usually when a tooth breaks, it is the temperature that bothers the tooth the most. There is dental wax that can be purchased to cover the tooth. It will need to be removed to eat, but attempting to block all the things that might change the temperature of the tooth is the goal. That is also what will happen when you go to the dentist to get the tooth fixed. They cover and protect the broken area with composite.



Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

Is mouthwash necessary?

Not necessarily. If you add anything to your regimen, I would recommend floss.

Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

Can braces damage my child's gums?

Not permanently. Brackets have a lot of corners and edges and the lips will need to "toughen up". At first lips can be very sore- the orthodontist should have wax to apply to READ MORE
Not permanently. Brackets have a lot of corners and edges and the lips will need to "toughen up". At first lips can be very sore- the orthodontist should have wax to apply to the brackets while the lips get used to the new hardware. Soon, the lips as well as all parts of the mouth will get used to the braces and wires.



Hope this helps and good luck!
Jossi Stokes, DDS

How should I sleep after a tooth extraction?

You can sleep any way you find comfortable. Likely it will not be on the side you had the extraction. You might also want to prop your head up a little and put a towel on your READ MORE
You can sleep any way you find comfortable. Likely it will not be on the side you had the extraction. You might also want to prop your head up a little and put a towel on your pillow (in case you drool) as oozing is normal and your saliva may be tinted pink for a day or so.



Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

How long does it take for teeth to straighten with braces?

It depends on how much and what kind of movement is needed for the teeth. I would give an average of 2 years for most orthodontic treatment. If you are looking at minor movement READ MORE
It depends on how much and what kind of movement is needed for the teeth. I would give an average of 2 years for most orthodontic treatment. If you are looking at minor movement it could be less and if there is major movement it could be more. Many orthodontists will give a free consultation.



Hope this helps.

Jossi Stokes, DDS

Can I have dental anesthesia when pregnant?

When you say dental anesthesia, I am presuming you mean local anesthetic to get a tooth numb. This is typically safe for pregnancy, however if there are any risks with the pregnancy, READ MORE
When you say dental anesthesia, I am presuming you mean local anesthetic to get a tooth numb. This is typically safe for pregnancy, however if there are any risks with the pregnancy, I would recommend talking to your OBGYN first. We also like to do any treatment in the second trimester when possible.



Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

Can anyone get dental implants?

It is not recommended to place implants in someone that is still growing. Ideally, at age 18-20 years old is the youngest age to consider implants. There are many ways to replace READ MORE
It is not recommended to place implants in someone that is still growing. Ideally, at age 18-20 years old is the youngest age to consider implants. There are many ways to replace the missing tooth. Talk to your dentist to find out what they are.



Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

Pain 5 days after tooth extraction?

Typically in 5 days you should have improvement with pain and soreness. There is a chance there is an infection or dry socket. You should follow up with the dentist that extracted READ MORE
Typically in 5 days you should have improvement with pain and soreness. There is a chance there is an infection or dry socket. You should follow up with the dentist that extracted the tooth.



Hope this helps.

Jossi Stokes, DDS

Is there any way to make the pain caused by TMJ go away?

Yes there are many. There are devices to wear, physical therapy and massage to name a few. It should be thoroughly discussed where to start with your dentist. Surgery is really READ MORE
Yes there are many. There are devices to wear, physical therapy and massage to name a few. It should be thoroughly discussed where to start with your dentist. Surgery is really the last resort after everything else has been tried.


Good luck. Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

Can I be put to sleep for dental work while pregnant?

This is a better question for your OBGYN. He/she can weigh the risks of anesthesia with you. Generally speaking, you will likely be advised against it. Good luck and hope this READ MORE
This is a better question for your OBGYN. He/she can weigh the risks of anesthesia with you. Generally speaking, you will likely be advised against it.


Good luck and hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes

How should I prepare for my root canal?

There is no special preparation for a root canal. Unfortunately they have a bad rap, but most root canals are very uneventful. If I could recommend anything, bring your favorite READ MORE
There is no special preparation for a root canal. Unfortunately they have a bad rap, but most root canals are very uneventful. If I could recommend anything, bring your favorite music or podcast to listen to as sometimes a root canal can be long and boring.



Hope this helps,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

Do I need antibiotics for a tooth extraction?

Typically no, but you should ask the surgeon that is performing the surgery.

Hope it goes well,

Jossi Stokes, DDS

How can gingivitis be treated?

Gingivitis is a inflamatory response by our body by something that is foreign to it. Typically we see gingivitis in folks that have plaque buildup. Plaque can be removed simply READ MORE
Gingivitis is a inflamatory response by our body by something that is foreign to it. Typically we see gingivitis in folks that have plaque buildup. Plaque can be removed simply by brushing and flossing. If good oral hygiene practices are followed and plaque is the culprit, the gingivitis should go away. And there are other reasons our body has inflamatory responses. This is when you should see a dentist.

So if after 2 weeks of routine steller oral hygiene the gingivitis doesn’t go away, see a dentist.



Hope this helps,
Jossi Stokes, DDS