Dental FAQ: answers from a Jacksonville dentist.
Honest answers to the questions patients ask Dr. Henley most.

Two ways to improve a smile, with different preparation and maintenance needs.

Composite bonding uses tooth-colored resin shaped directly on a tooth to repair chips, close selected gaps, or refine its appearance. Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells bonded mainly to the front surfaces of teeth to change their color, shape, or proportions. Veneers are not full-coverage crowns. Bonding can often preserve more tooth structure and is generally easier to repair; porcelain is more stain-resistant. Neither changes color with teeth whitening, so if you want lighter teeth, whiten first. The choice depends on your enamel, bite, goals, and maintenance expectations.

Preserving healthy tooth structure while explaining irreversible changes.

Some cosmetic treatments require little or no tooth reduction; others permanently remove enamel. Porcelain veneers usually involve some preparation, and crowns generally require more extensive reshaping. These changes are not reversible, and sensitivity or future repair can occur. My goal is to choose the least invasive option that can reasonably meet your needs. We discuss alternatives, limitations, and long-term maintenance before changing healthy teeth.

Evaluate the shape, color, fit, and bite before deciding on replacement.

Often, yes. Bulky contours, mismatched color, excessive opacity, or proportions that do not suit your smile can make dental work look unnatural. The first step is to evaluate the restoration, the underlying tooth, your gums, and your bite. Some concerns can be addressed with adjustments or repairs; others require replacement. The goal is a natural-looking result that also supports healthy tissues and comfortable function.

Long-term results depend on the restoration and the patient.

These restorations can serve patients for many years, but none should be considered permanent or maintenance-free. Longevity depends on the amount of healthy tooth remaining, material selection, fit, bite forces, oral hygiene, and cavity risk. Grinding, dry mouth, and untreated gum disease can complicate maintenance. Bonding may need polishing or repair, while veneers and crowns may eventually need replacement. Regular reviews help identify problems early.

Your medical history is part of the dental treatment plan.

Medically informed dental care means considering how your health conditions, medications, and previous treatments affect dental decisions. At our practice, that includes planning for patients with cancer-treatment histories, dry mouth, and other medical complexities, not only individual teeth. When necessary, we coordinate with your physicians and dental specialists. Read more about medically complex dental care. The aim is to choose appropriate treatment, timing, and prevention for your circumstances rather than use the same plan for everyone.

The type of treatment and the tissues involved make a difference.

It can be, but chemotherapy and radiation do not carry identical dental risks. Chemotherapy can affect the mouth, blood counts, infection risk, and healing, particularly during active treatment. Head and neck radiation can cause lasting dry mouth and changes in jawbone healing when those tissues receive radiation. Tell us what treatment you received, where it was directed, and when. We may need oncology records or medical coordination before planning care.

Identify dental risks early and coordinate care with your oncology team.

Yes. A dental evaluation before head and neck radiation helps identify infection, advanced decay, gum disease, and teeth unlikely to remain maintainable after treatment. We also plan preventive care for possible dry mouth and increased cavity risk. Not every patient needs extractions. The dental plan depends on your findings, anticipated radiation exposure, and cancer-treatment schedule. Contact us as soon as radiation is being planned so any necessary dental care and healing can be coordinated without unnecessary delay to cancer treatment.

Previous radiation to the jaw requires a specific risk assessment.

Sometimes, but surgery in previously irradiated jawbone requires careful planning. Radiation can increase the risk of osteoradionecrosis, a condition in which damaged jawbone fails to heal and areas of bone die. Risk depends on the dose and location of radiation, the procedure, and your oral and medical health; it can persist long after treatment ends. We review relevant records and coordinate with your oncology team and an oral surgeon when appropriate. There is no single waiting period that makes surgery safe for everyone.

Less saliva means less natural protection for your teeth.

Saliva helps clear food, neutralize acids, and supply minerals that protect teeth. Persistent dry mouth, or xerostomia, can increase decay risk, including around fillings and crowns, and can contribute to oral discomfort and fungal infections. Causes include medications, Sjögren’s disease, and radiation involving the salivary glands. Depending on the cause, care may include prescription-strength fluoride, saliva-support products, dietary changes, and closer follow-up. Do not stop a prescribed medication without discussing it with your clinician.

A diagnosis alone does not determine implant eligibility.

Many patients with these conditions can receive implants, but suitability depends on disease control, medications, gum health, and healing capacity. Poorly controlled diabetes or significant immune suppression can increase complications. Osteoporosis alone does not automatically rule out implants, but some medications used to treat it require additional discussion. We assess your individual risks and coordinate with your physician when needed before deciding whether implant treatment is appropriate.

Medication type, dose, and reason for treatment matter.

Yes. Bisphosphonates such as alendronate (Fosamax) and medicines such as denosumab (Prolia or Xgeva) can increase the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. This complication is uncommon with osteoporosis treatment, while higher-dose regimens used for cancer generally carry greater risk. Tell us about current and past use before extractions, implants, or other bone surgery. Do not stop or delay medication on your own; treatment decisions should be coordinated with the prescribing clinician. Routine preventive dental care remains important.

Persistent changes deserve evaluation, even when they do not hurt.

Have a mouth sore that lasts more than two weeks, a persistent red or white patch, an unexplained lump, or ongoing numbness evaluated. A neck lump, persistent hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing also warrants medical or dental attention. Many changes are not cancer, but persistent or worsening symptoms should not wait until your next cleaning. An examination can identify concerning findings, but screening cannot rule out every cancer. A biopsy or specialist referral may be needed.

Clear communication and a comfort plan before treatment begins.

Our goal is to keep treatment as comfortable as possible. Local anesthesia controls pain during many procedures, although you may still notice pressure or vibration, and some soreness afterward can be expected. Tell us about anxiety, previous difficulty getting numb, or a difficult dental experience. We can discuss breaks, explain each step, and adjust the approach to your needs. Let us know immediately if you feel pain during treatment.

Know when to call the dentist and when to seek emergency care.

Severe tooth pain, new swelling, a knocked-out permanent tooth, or a dental injury needs prompt assessment. For milder discomfort after recent treatment, our guide to tooth pain after a filling explains what is normal, what is not, and when to call. Call our office at 904-398-1549 for guidance rather than relying on text for an urgent problem. Trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, or swelling near the eye requires immediate emergency care: call 911 or go to an emergency department. Do not wait for an office reply when these symptoms are present. Dental infections can become serious even if the pain temporarily improves.

Families welcome from age 2.

Yes. Dr. Henley sees children from age 2, along with teens and adults, so families can come together. Babies under 2 and children who need sedation are referred to a pediatric dentist. Read about our children’s dentistry.

Laughing gas and minimal oral sedation.

Yes. We offer laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and, for adults, minimal oral sedation, where you stay awake and relaxed. Oral sedation needs a medical review first and a driver to take you home. See sedation dentistry.

Clear aligners for teens and adults.

We offer clear aligners similar to Invisalign for teens and adults, but we are not an Invisalign provider. See clear aligners.

Out-of-network with all dental plans.

We are an out-of-network practice and can help you understand how to use your benefits. Call our team with your plan details to ask about fees before scheduling. Read more about dental insurance and payment.

Same-day visits during office hours; call first.

Usually, yes. We see same-day dental emergencies during office hours, including new patients. Please call 904.398.1549 first; we don’t take walk-ins. Existing patients can reach our on-call line after hours. See emergency dental care.

In San Marco, on Hendricks Avenue.

CJ Henley, DMD, PA is at 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207, in San Marco, with plenty of parking. We are open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday 8 AM to 4 PM, and Friday 8 AM to noon. See directions and contact details.