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
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Does dry socket need antibiotics?
No. It’s an inflammatory issue not infectious.
How many times can a filling be replaced?
Hello,
It can be replaced a dozen times in theory. However, every time it is replaced, you typically lose a little more tooth structure depending on the doc and why it’s being READ MORE
Hello,
It can be replaced a dozen times in theory. However, every time it is replaced, you typically lose a little more tooth structure depending on the doc and why it’s being replaced.
Dr. J
It can be replaced a dozen times in theory. However, every time it is replaced, you typically lose a little more tooth structure depending on the doc and why it’s being replaced.
Dr. J
How long until a cavity becomes a root canal?
Hello,
It varies greatly and impossible to diagnose without X-rays at a minimum. The younger a person is, a cavity typically gets bigger at a faster rate. Enamel and dentin READ MORE
Hello,
It varies greatly and impossible to diagnose without X-rays at a minimum. The younger a person is, a cavity typically gets bigger at a faster rate. Enamel and dentin strength and consistency make a difference. The tooth number and area of decay also factors in as well as home care. Definitely not accurate, but if a cavity has just started, I would say one year as an average to grow to the depth of needing a root canal. But again... 50 variables that decide this.
Dr. J
It varies greatly and impossible to diagnose without X-rays at a minimum. The younger a person is, a cavity typically gets bigger at a faster rate. Enamel and dentin strength and consistency make a difference. The tooth number and area of decay also factors in as well as home care. Definitely not accurate, but if a cavity has just started, I would say one year as an average to grow to the depth of needing a root canal. But again... 50 variables that decide this.
Dr. J
How painful is all on 4 dental implants?
Hello!
You should except discomfort for 24-48 hours. Patient tolerance for pain varies tremendously. For example: after an all-on-4 surgery, I’ve had patients state over the READ MORE
Hello!
You should except discomfort for 24-48 hours. Patient tolerance for pain varies tremendously. For example: after an all-on-4 surgery, I’ve had patients state over the years zero pain the next day (40%). 20% say really bad pain, like 7-8 on a 1-10 scale. Most are at 3-5 level pain 24 hours post-op. So, there is no definitive answer, I apologize. Much depends on current narcotic tolerance, i.e., older patients are frequently on narcotics for back pain, arthritis, etc. so they perceive oral surgery post-op pain/inflammation at a higher level than those younger and not on a current narcotic regimen.
Anyway, make sure you have narcotic pain medication in hand by the oral surgeon prior to surgery. That’s exactly the intent for that medication, but take as directed appropriately based on his/her doctor recommendations. That being said, the procedure is well worth the time and money and temporary pain. Just like a tummy tuck or any invasive procedure. So, take your prophylactic antibiotics if prescribed and hopefully narcotics if prescribed properly and you’ll be fine in a few days. Rest up. Take off work for a few days minimum and have a soft meal plan in place and those who can help you during recovery.
A small price to pay potentially, based on your current dental condition and current pain level and infection if applicable.
Hopefully this helps,
Dr. Jenkins
You should except discomfort for 24-48 hours. Patient tolerance for pain varies tremendously. For example: after an all-on-4 surgery, I’ve had patients state over the years zero pain the next day (40%). 20% say really bad pain, like 7-8 on a 1-10 scale. Most are at 3-5 level pain 24 hours post-op. So, there is no definitive answer, I apologize. Much depends on current narcotic tolerance, i.e., older patients are frequently on narcotics for back pain, arthritis, etc. so they perceive oral surgery post-op pain/inflammation at a higher level than those younger and not on a current narcotic regimen.
Anyway, make sure you have narcotic pain medication in hand by the oral surgeon prior to surgery. That’s exactly the intent for that medication, but take as directed appropriately based on his/her doctor recommendations. That being said, the procedure is well worth the time and money and temporary pain. Just like a tummy tuck or any invasive procedure. So, take your prophylactic antibiotics if prescribed and hopefully narcotics if prescribed properly and you’ll be fine in a few days. Rest up. Take off work for a few days minimum and have a soft meal plan in place and those who can help you during recovery.
A small price to pay potentially, based on your current dental condition and current pain level and infection if applicable.
Hopefully this helps,
Dr. Jenkins
Can I get a partial with no back teeth?
Yes you can as long as you have enough healthy teeth towards the front of your mouth for the partial to grab on.
Dr. J
Dr. J
How much pain is normal after dental bone graft?
Hello. There are so many variables that it’s impossible to say without knowing the exact surgical details. On average however, bone grafting is painful around a 6 on a 1-10 scale. READ MORE
Hello. There are so many variables that it’s impossible to say without knowing the exact surgical details. On average however, bone grafting is painful around a 6 on a 1-10 scale. This level lasts for 2-3 days and diminishes. But many cases could be a 9 post op and many at a 1-2.
Dr. J
Dr. J
How many implants are needed for full mouth?
Hello,
8-10 are needed ideally if you have no teeth and getting an implant supported denture. 4-6 on the top arch and 4 on the lower arch. If you’re getting implant bridges READ MORE
Hello,
8-10 are needed ideally if you have no teeth and getting an implant supported denture. 4-6 on the top arch and 4 on the lower arch. If you’re getting implant bridges that are not removable, you will need 12 minimum. 6 over 6. Huge price difference. Implant denture without extraction costs a charge around 12K-14K. Includes dentures and implants and everything. Implant permanent bridge upper and lower is closer to 45K.
8-10 are needed ideally if you have no teeth and getting an implant supported denture. 4-6 on the top arch and 4 on the lower arch. If you’re getting implant bridges that are not removable, you will need 12 minimum. 6 over 6. Huge price difference. Implant denture without extraction costs a charge around 12K-14K. Includes dentures and implants and everything. Implant permanent bridge upper and lower is closer to 45K.
Do gums grow back after bone graft?
Hello,
I wish there was an easy fast answer like yes/no. Unfortunately, there isn’t. Dozens of factors play a role in regeneration of gingival tissue (gums). All are unrelated READ MORE
Hello,
I wish there was an easy fast answer like yes/no. Unfortunately, there isn’t. Dozens of factors play a role in regeneration of gingival tissue (gums). All are unrelated to “bone grafting” in itself. I would consult a periodontist as I am an implant surgeon.
Dr. J
I wish there was an easy fast answer like yes/no. Unfortunately, there isn’t. Dozens of factors play a role in regeneration of gingival tissue (gums). All are unrelated to “bone grafting” in itself. I would consult a periodontist as I am an implant surgeon.
Dr. J
Do you really need teeth cleaning every 6 months?
Hello. Yes you really do need a cleaning every 6 months. Many things can change in the mouth within a year and can have harmful effects if not diagnosed. Thanks,
Dr. J
Dr. J
How hard should you press with an electric toothbrush?
Assuming no decay is present or severe decalcification of the enamel... the pressure can be firm if you have a soft or extra soft bristle head.
Can I drink coffee after a tooth filling?
Hello. Yes you can, but know any new filling will be very sensitive to extreme temperatures. Try and keep very hot Liquids away from that area.
Dr. J
Dr. J
How do you know if you have an exposed tooth nerve?
Hello,
If the nerve is actually exposed you will need either a root canal or extraction. Some rare other possibilities, but with also low success rates for treatment. As far READ MORE
Hello,
If the nerve is actually exposed you will need either a root canal or extraction. Some rare other possibilities, but with also low success rates for treatment. As far as you knowing.... you wouldn’t most likely. Relatively impossible to visually see... and only if it’s on a front tooth and only a strange circumstance that would allow “you” to see the nerve. You would need an X-ray/3D view or dentist to see.
If the nerve is actually exposed you will need either a root canal or extraction. Some rare other possibilities, but with also low success rates for treatment. As far as you knowing.... you wouldn’t most likely. Relatively impossible to visually see... and only if it’s on a front tooth and only a strange circumstance that would allow “you” to see the nerve. You would need an X-ray/3D view or dentist to see.
How long do you have to eat soft foods after dental implants?
It depends on if it is an implant with a crown attached or if it’s an implant under a denture. If it has a crown attached it’s ready for normal chewing by this stage. If under READ MORE
It depends on if it is an implant with a crown attached or if it’s an implant under a denture. If it has a crown attached it’s ready for normal chewing by this stage.
If under a denture, there are many variables. You would need to talk to your dentist or oral surgeon.
If under a denture, there are many variables. You would need to talk to your dentist or oral surgeon.
Should I treat the cavity or remove the wisdom tooth?
Most of the time, you should remove the tooth. Unless it’s in functional occlusion, i.e., you can bite perfectly with an opposing tooth. Also, your gum condition must also so be READ MORE
Most of the time, you should remove the tooth. Unless it’s in functional occlusion, i.e., you can bite perfectly with an opposing tooth. Also, your gum condition must also so be in a healthy state around that wisdom tooth and maintain routine cleaning/check ups. You must also make sure it’s not harming your second molar in front of it, due to angulation. It also depends on how deep the cavity/decay is and your symptoms. So many variables in dentistry that it’s hard to diagnose via messaging without digital imaging. I would get a second opinion from 2 dentists that see you in person. But if you want the average quick answer, after over 20 years in practice and surgeries, 80% of the time, it’s better to extract the tooth.
Dr. J
Dr. J
On and off jaw pain?
Hello,
Could be multiple possibilities. Dentistry is very hard to diagnose over the web. I could list multiple reasons, but it’s best to see your dentist. It could be an infected READ MORE
Hello,
Could be multiple possibilities. Dentistry is very hard to diagnose over the web. I could list multiple reasons, but it’s best to see your dentist. It could be an infected tooth. Tooth eruption depending on age or other factors.... Do you grind your teeth? Has there been any trauma? Etc. After you see your dentist, they will be able to take an X-ray or CT the area and do a physical diagnosis to see what the problem is.
Thanks!
Dr. J
Could be multiple possibilities. Dentistry is very hard to diagnose over the web. I could list multiple reasons, but it’s best to see your dentist. It could be an infected tooth. Tooth eruption depending on age or other factors.... Do you grind your teeth? Has there been any trauma? Etc. After you see your dentist, they will be able to take an X-ray or CT the area and do a physical diagnosis to see what the problem is.
Thanks!
Dr. J
What can I do for severe tooth pain?
I would definitely call around for a dentist in your area.
How can I instantly relieve tooth pain?
Hello,
The only guaranteed way to be out of pain is to extract the tooth. Tons of variables though and I’d see your dentist immediately. Many options in dentistry to save teeth READ MORE
Hello,
The only guaranteed way to be out of pain is to extract the tooth. Tons of variables though and I’d see your dentist immediately. Many options in dentistry to save teeth now.
Dr. J
The only guaranteed way to be out of pain is to extract the tooth. Tons of variables though and I’d see your dentist immediately. Many options in dentistry to save teeth now.
Dr. J
Brackets on my braces came off while sleeping. What should I do?
Hello,
Just go back to your orthodontist or dentist. He or she will easily bond them back on. Usually the doctor's staff puts the brackets on and some are not trained as well READ MORE
Hello,
Just go back to your orthodontist or dentist. He or she will easily bond them back on. Usually the doctor's staff puts the brackets on and some are not trained as well as others. It's a simple fix though.
Thanks,
Dr. Jenkins
Just go back to your orthodontist or dentist. He or she will easily bond them back on. Usually the doctor's staff puts the brackets on and some are not trained as well as others. It's a simple fix though.
Thanks,
Dr. Jenkins
Why do I still have bad breath after brushing my teeth?
Hello,
Possibly a couple things. Gastrointestinal problems frequently cause bad breath. However, from a dental aspect it could easily be from periodontal disease. Many bacteria READ MORE
Hello,
Possibly a couple things. Gastrointestinal problems frequently cause bad breath. However, from a dental aspect it could easily be from periodontal disease. Many bacteria cause bad breath and mere brushing will not kill them. Most bacteria hide under the gums. I’d definitely see your dentist for a check-up.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Jenkins
Possibly a couple things. Gastrointestinal problems frequently cause bad breath. However, from a dental aspect it could easily be from periodontal disease. Many bacteria cause bad breath and mere brushing will not kill them. Most bacteria hide under the gums. I’d definitely see your dentist for a check-up.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Jenkins
Do new dentures hurt?
Yes definitely it is common. Sounds like you need an adjustment to your denture(s). Every patient heals at different rates depending on their age and medical condition and other READ MORE
Yes definitely it is common. Sounds like you need an adjustment to your denture(s). Every patient heals at different rates depending on their age and medical condition and other factors.
If you feel a sharp piece in your mouth anywhere after the extractions it is usually bone and will need to be looked at.
If your teeth were already gone and you’re speaking of your new replacement denture(s) then they typically do NOT hurt and I would follow up with your doctor.
Most likely it’s a simple adjustment away from fitting properly.
All of this is assuming you have no allergies to the acrylic...where the pain is at exactly... signs of swelling... meaning a potential underlying issue unrelated to the Dentures but is exacerbated by the Dentures etc.
hopefully this helps:)
Dr. J
If you feel a sharp piece in your mouth anywhere after the extractions it is usually bone and will need to be looked at.
If your teeth were already gone and you’re speaking of your new replacement denture(s) then they typically do NOT hurt and I would follow up with your doctor.
Most likely it’s a simple adjustment away from fitting properly.
All of this is assuming you have no allergies to the acrylic...where the pain is at exactly... signs of swelling... meaning a potential underlying issue unrelated to the Dentures but is exacerbated by the Dentures etc.
hopefully this helps:)
Dr. J
