expert type icon EXPERT

Brian H. Jenkins, DDS

Dentist | General Practice

Dr. Brian Jenkins is a Dentist practicing in Wichita, KS. Dr. Jenkins 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.
Brian H. Jenkins, DDS
  • Independence, MO
  • Accepting new patients

What is the best mouthwash for a gum infection?

None. You need antibiotics now if you were diagnosed with an infection. Dr. J

Brackets

You can eat now unless your orthodontist specifically said no.
Dr. J

How do you clean badly stained dentures?

I would take them to your dentist. Sometimes it can void the warranty if you damage the denture experimenting. My hygienist cleans my denture patients dentures. Sometimes a multi READ MORE
I would take them to your dentist. Sometimes it can void the warranty if you damage the denture experimenting.
My hygienist cleans my denture patients dentures. Sometimes a multi step process.
Ultrasonic cleaner like a jeweler uses… a mechanical ultrasonic scaler and also soaking in Polident etc. Also manually with a toothbrush cleaning.
I’d have to see it.
Dr. J

Should I be concerned about root canal pain?

If it’s still hurting after 3 days that is unusual. I also don’t know the severity of your individual condition so it could be normal. It’s just not typical. You should be on READ MORE
If it’s still hurting after 3 days that is unusual. I also don’t know the severity of your individual condition so it could be normal. It’s just not typical. You should be on antibiotics regardless.
I would contact your endodontist or general dentist who did your root canal for a follow up.
Dr. J

Can you get dentures that look like real teeth?

Hello that’s subjective. Typically yes but they are plastic. Sometimes porcelain.

How do you stop bleeding from dentures?

Hello. Yes it’s normal in the first few days after extractions and dentures placed. If you’re on blood thinners, contact your MD that placed you on the medication. It also depends READ MORE
Hello. Yes it’s normal in the first few days after extractions and dentures placed. If you’re on blood thinners, contact your MD that placed you on the medication. It also depends on how much your bleeding. Hard to quantify via email what volume is “normal” per say. Seeping is normal, but apply mild pressure biting on gauze or any paper towel for at least 15 minutes. Then check for seeping blood again. If blood is squirting out go to the ER.
Essentially, pressure and time typically stops bleeding if not on blood thinners. Ask more questions if you have them.
Dr. J
P.S. Yes try and contact your dentist or oral surgeon for advice if none was given post op.

How painful is it to get a bridge done on your teeth?

Typically it’s painless and should be. Just some temperature sensitivity short-term.

Does wisdom teeth removal affect the jawline?

Hello. Not sure 100% what you mean by jawline. It will not affect you phenotypically or aesthetically ever.
Dr. J

Can I get a filling on wisdom teeth?

Yes. If your dentist decides it’s necessary. Typically, wisdom teeth are extracted or not in biting occlusion so not needed. They contribute to periodontal issues (gum problems) READ MORE
Yes. If your dentist decides it’s necessary. Typically, wisdom teeth are extracted or not in biting occlusion so not needed. They contribute to periodontal issues (gum problems) in “some” patients as well. If you are chewing with them, and have a healthy periodontal condition around them… then yes it makes sense to spend money restoring them many times. Again, it’s a patient to a patient situation. Go to a dentist you can always trust.

Is it painful to get veneers?

It’s not painful during the procedure because you should have proper local anesthesia. Afterward, it’s common to have temperature sensitivity. Huge variances in range of sensitivity READ MORE
It’s not painful during the procedure because you should have proper local anesthesia. Afterward, it’s common to have temperature sensitivity. Huge variances in range of sensitivity if any. Sensitivity, where it’s uncomfortable pain, is rare overall.

How do you get rid of tooth nerve pain fast?

Extracting the tooth is the fastest way. Getting a root canal could be a possibility.

Why is my tooth sensitive to cold after a crown?

Hello, A large majority of patients have temperature sensitivity after any new filling and especially a crown. The tooth has a nerve if it doesn’t have a root canal completed. READ MORE
Hello,

A large majority of patients have temperature sensitivity after any new filling and especially a crown. The tooth has a nerve if it doesn’t have a root canal completed. So, when a tooth is drilled on (although your tooth is numb)… the tooth doesn’t necessarily like it. And reacts to temperatures hot and cold usually for only a few days, but can last as long as 6 months…getting less sensitive every month. Many variables to say the least that would take hours to detail. That’s the fast, generic answer, and I wouldn’t worry just yet. Definitely ask your dentist for a follow-up if pain or sensitivity increases going forward. Also, avoid extreme temperatures (coffee or ice cream, etc.) during the entire time you have symptoms until they pass.

Dr. J

Does bad taste in my mouth after a tooth extraction mean dry socket?

No. Food frequently gets packed in and around the extraction socket site. It can produce a foul smell until flushed and cleaned properly. If 48 hours have passed, typically you’re READ MORE
No. Food frequently gets packed in and around the extraction socket site. It can produce a foul smell until flushed and cleaned properly. If 48 hours have passed, typically you’re safe to irrigate the socket. Do not poke inside it… just use a plastic big tip syringe and flush with warm water. Other solutions can be better based on your specific condition.
Dr. J

What is the best toothpaste for gum disease?

Hello. Treating gum disease requires procedures from your dentist/periodontist and hygienist. They will recommend a proper toothpaste and oral home care regimen based on your individual READ MORE
Hello. Treating gum disease requires procedures from your dentist/periodontist and hygienist. They will recommend a proper toothpaste and oral home care regimen based on your individual condition. The severity varies greatly as does the treatment recommendations and products to use at home.
Dr. J

How long does a root planing and scaling take?

Hello! It depends on the hygienist or doctor doing it. Typically it done in quadrants if the entire mouth is needing treated. I guess an average would be 30 minutes per quadrant. READ MORE
Hello! It depends on the hygienist or doctor doing it. Typically it done in quadrants if the entire mouth is needing treated. I guess an average would be 30 minutes per quadrant. Again this varies on the severity of the periodontal condition. More advanced cases take an hour per quadrant. 4 quadrants are in the mouth. Upper right, Upper Left etc.
Dr. J

What is the difference between full upper dentures versus implants?

Hello, If you have normal typical dentures, you just use adhesive sticky brands to help hold them in like everyone has done for decades, etc. The other option is to still have READ MORE
Hello,

If you have normal typical dentures, you just use adhesive sticky brands to help hold them in like everyone has done for decades, etc. The other option is to still have the same denture, but it snaps onto implants that are essentially screws in your jawbone. You can’t feel the implants like a tooth. Just a prosthetic screw that locks onto the dentures. 2 different implant denture types: 1. Snaps on and can come in/out at will. 2. Permanent implant dentures you cannot take out. The doc will take them out with specific instruments every 6 months and clean under. But much less hassle vs. the snap in/out type. However, the ones you can’t take out average 50K top and bottom. The snap in/out type are half the cost. Regular dentures with no implants is what everyone had until the last few decades. So, no harm in getting those first and saving the money for the snap in type or Ferrari luxury type that never come out except for 6-month hygiene maintenance.
My cost is 16K all in for the snap in type. I have many patients fly in because they save $9,000 or more. I own wright dentures and implants.

Is it normal for gums to bleed after a crown?

It’s not necessarily normal but not rare either. A lot depends on your gum conditions separate from the crown being done.
Dr. J

How do they remove wisdom teeth under the gum?

Simple incision and flap. Elevate the tooth out, pack, suture and done.
Dr. J