Advanced Dental Services & Technology – Jacksonville, FL

High-Caliber Treatments
Using the Latest Technology

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Modern dental technology has revolutionized the way we diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health issues, transforming what was once a lengthy and uncomfortable experience into precise, comfortable care. From advanced imaging that captures detailed 3D views of your mouth to laser treatments that eliminate the need for scalpels and sutures, today’s dental innovations mean faster healing times, more accurate diagnoses, and better treatment outcomes for patients.

At Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen, we’ve invested in the latest dental technology to ensure every aspect of your care is thorough, precise, and comfortable. Our Jacksonville dental office combines state-of-the-art equipment with the artistic precision of Dr. Mullens and Dr. Nguyen, delivering comprehensive dental solutions that exceed expectations. Learn more about our advanced dental services and how technology enhances your treatment experience.

Intraoral Cameras

Our intraoral camera is a small, hand-held device that’s shaped like a pen. We can place it in your mouth to view a troublesome spot up-close, allowing us to make sure that no sign of a potential oral health problem goes unnoticed. It transfers the footage and images that we capture in the mouth to a large, chairside monitor as well, providing an excellent resource for us to better explain the problem you may face and how our recommended treatment plan can help. This advanced imaging technology enables us to show you exactly what we see, empowering you to make informed decisions about your oral health.

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All-Digital X-Rays

In the past, dentists would use film X-rays that took time to develop, didn’t produce clear, high-quality images, and had an uncomfortable process that required patients to wear heavy lead aprons. Today, our Jacksonville practice uses reliable, safe digital X-ray imaging to allow us to examine the area of your mouth that lies below the gumline. Routine X-rays allow us to spot serious oral issues, including cysts, tumors, and infections, so we can tackle these problems before they have a chance to permanently damage your mouth. Digital X-rays reduce radiation exposure by up to 90% compared to traditional film X-rays while providing instant, crystal-clear images for immediate diagnosis.

Sirona CBCT

Our Sirona cone beam CT scanner is a sophisticated imaging device that is incredibly helpful when it comes to planning dental implant placement surgeries and diagnosing complex issues like TMJ dysfunction. It takes a 3D, panoramic view of your face that allows us to see dentition, the location of nerves and your sinuses, and your jawbone. This detailed view reduces any risk of complications during oral surgeries and ensures that we create the best treatment plans to provide you with lifelong relief. The precision of CBCT imaging for dental implants ensures optimal placement and long-term success.

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Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry

Some patients have overgrown oral tissue that makes placing a restoration, like a dental crown or bridge, difficult. Instead of using a scalpel and sutures to address this issue, we use our DEKA CO2 soft tissue laser. It’s a pen-shaped device that emits a concentrated beam of light from the end of it, allowing us to gently and precisely remove gum tissue. The best part is that it cauterizes the area on-contact, minimizing bleeding, discomfort, and drastically reducing recovery timeLaser dentistry procedures typically heal 50% faster than traditional surgical methods, with most patients experiencing minimal to no post-operative discomfort.

The Wand™

Do you need root canal therapy, dental implant placement, or any other procedure that requires local anesthesia? Instead of injecting it into the area that we’ll be operating on, we use a device called The Wand. It allows us to provide localized anesthesia without a needle in sight and without causing collateral numbness that can take hours to wear off. This is great for patients who have a fear of needles and allows our doctors to have control over the administration of the local anesthesia. Many of our Jacksonville patients specifically request The Wand for their comfort-focused dental care.

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Cavity Detection System

Our cavity detection system uses fluorescent technology to alert our staff to any signs of dental decay in your mouth, even if it’s located between teeth or it’s in its incredibly early stages. This allows us to provide you with preventive treatment to keep the issue from progressing and leading to more serious problems, like tooth infections or severe sensitivity. Early cavity detection means smaller, more conservative fillings that preserve more of your natural tooth structure.

Extraoral Suction Aerosol Control

To help minimize the spread of harmful aerosols and airborne viruses and germs, we use our extraoral suction aerosol control system. As you’re receiving dental work that could create aerosols, we’ll place this near your mouth to remove them from the air. It doesn’t interfere with your experience or treatment; it simply keeps all of our patients and staff safer by controlling the spread of pathogens. This advanced safety technology represents our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient protection in our Jacksonville dental practice.

Why Choose Technology-Driven Dentistry?

Advanced dental technology transforms every aspect of your care, from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. Modern dental technology enables earlier detection of problems, more conservative treatments, faster healing times, and better long-term outcomes for patients of all ages. When you choose our technology-equipped practice, you’re choosing precision, comfort, and excellence in every procedure.

Dr. Mullens and Dr. Nguyen continuously invest in the latest dental innovations to ensure our patients receive the most advanced care available. From routine cleanings enhanced by intraoral cameras to complex implant procedures guided by 3D imaging, every service benefits from our technological advantage. Our team undergoes regular training to master new technologies, ensuring you receive the full benefits of these advanced tools. Schedule your new patient consultation to experience how modern technology enhances your dental care.

Experience Advanced Dental Technology at Distinctive Dentistry

When you visit Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen, you’re choosing a practice that combines cutting-edge technology with personalized, artistic care. Dr. Mullens brings his uncompromising dedication and expertise as an American College of Dentists Fellow, while Dr. Nguyen applies his Bachelor of Fine Arts background to deliver precision dentistry with an artistic touch. Our brand-new, state-of-the-art facility features the most advanced equipment available, from our Sirona CBCT scanner and DIGIDOC cavity detection system to our soft tissue laser and The Wand anesthesia system, ensuring every aspect of your care exceeds expectations.

We believe that everyone deserves access to the best dental technology, regardless of their budget. That’s why we offer flexible financing options through CareCredit and Cherry, making it possible to receive advanced dental care with manageable monthly payments. Our caring team takes pride in creating a comfortable, stress-free experience that flips the script on traditional dental visits. Take the first step toward experiencing the difference that advanced technology makes in your dental care by calling (904) 399-3163 or scheduling your appointment online today.

Office Hours

8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 11:30 am

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

If you have any food debris or an object stuck between your teeth, don’t try to remove it with a toothpick or any sharp objects, as this could damage your gums. Typically, gently flossing around the tooth and rinsing your mouth with saltwater can help dislodge it. However, if you’re not having any luck, you can also give our office a call. Our dental hygienists have all of the necessary tools to safely remove the debris.

Jaw Pain

Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency? Lockjaw, jaw tension, and pain are just a few of the many different types of jaw pain. If your discomfort is chronic, our team can help you determine the underlying cause of it and refer you to a specialist if necessary. However, if your pain is a result of an impact, visit your local emergency room.

How You Should Handle Jaw Pain: Our team is happy to provide you with further guidance over the phone if you’re unsure of where to go for help. You can place an ice pack on the outside of your face to relieve any discomfort.

How We Treat Jaw Pain: If you believe your jaw is broken, dislocated, or damaged due to trauma, visit your local ER immediately. If it’s a reoccurring issue, our team can help you determine best next steps for finding relief after conducting an examination.

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue a Dental Emergency?  If your oral injury doesn’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes, you may need to go to the emergency room. Or, if you’re conflicted about what to do, give our office a call and our team can help.

How You Should Handle an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue: Oral wounds can bleed a lot, and when the blood mixes with the saliva, it can make the injury look a lot worse than it is. You can stop the bleeding by using a clean washcloth or piece of gauze and pressing it against the cut. A cold compress can help to reduce any swelling that may occur.

How We Treat Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue: Our team typically doesn’t see patients for injuries. If you require stitches or the bleeding doesn’t stop within 10 minutes of placing pressure on it, visit your local emergency room.

Loose Permanent Tooth

Is a Loose Permanent Tooth a Dental Emergency? If your tooth is wiggling in its socket or partially dislodged, try to get to our office as soon as possible to prevent any further damage. If you’re experiencing pain, our team can provide you with first aid guidance over the phone.

How You Should Handle Loose Permanent Teeth: Avoid touching your tooth and eating any foods (especially those that are chewy or sticky), and rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to remove any debris and cleanse the area. Avoid flossing or brushing your teeth until you’re able to see us.

How We Treat Loose Permanent Teeth: If your tooth has become partially dislodged due to impact, our team may be able to salvage it and see if the roots are able to re-fuse with the bone. In the case that your tooth can’t be saved, we may recommend an extraction and replacement with a dental implant or bridge.

Broken Denture

Is My Broken Denture a Dental Emergency? Whether your denture has broken to the point of it being unwearable or it just has a crack, you should never wear a damaged prosthetic. It can lead to irritation of the oral tissues in addition to jaw discomfort. If you have existing teeth and try to wear your damaged denture, it could also harm those teeth. Call our office immediately so our team can assess your prosthetic.

How You Should Handle a Broken Denture: Although your local department store likely sells a denture repair kit, do not try to superglue or repair your own dentures. The best option in this scenario is to see a professional as soon as possible.

How We Treat Broken Dentures: Our team will examine your dentures and see if we’re able to repair them. If they’re damaged beyond repair, we can start the process of replacing them for you.

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a Lost Filling or Crown a Dental Emergency? Yes, both of these situations warrant an immediate call to our Jacksonville dental office. That way, we can repair or replace your restoration as quickly as possible.

How You Should Handle a Lost Filling or Crown In addition to reaching out to us to schedule an appointment, we recommend not eating anything crunchy, hard, or sticky. Additionally, keep your restoration somewhere safe, like a small, clean container.

How We Treat Lost Fillings or Crowns There are some cases where we can re-cement your restoration back in place, like if your dental crown is relatively new and in good condition. Other times, our only option is to replace your dental crown or filling with a new one.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is My Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency? Since this dental injury can cause a significant amount of pain and there is only a small window of time where we can save your tooth (about 60 minutes), the answer is “yes!” So, don’t hesitate – contact our Jacksonville dental team right away to schedule an emergency appointment.

How You Should Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth Calling us is an important first step. This ensures that we can schedule an appointment for you with one of our dedicated emergency dentists right away. Plus, it allows us to guide you through the process of preserving the root of your tooth – whether that’s by placing it back in its socket or putting it in a clean container filled with milk.

How We Treat Knocked-Out Teeth Fortunately, a knocked-out tooth can sometimes be saved. If that’s not the case for some reason – like you weren’t able to find your tooth – then we will instead begin the process of replacing it with a dental bridge or implant so the look, health, and function of your smile are restored.

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are Very Sensitive Teeth a Dental Emergency? Very sensitive teeth can be a dental emergency. That’s why it’s important to consider how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms and if they are present in tandem with others, like pain when biting down.

How You Should Handle Very Sensitive Teeth There’s really only one thing you can do until your appointment: try to avoid things that could exacerbate your discomfort. In other words, don’t drink anything really hot, don’t eat anything really cold, and take OTC pain medication as directed on the label (if needed).

How We Treat Very Sensitive Teeth That depends on what’s causing your dental sensitivity. If it’s a cavity, then it’s likely that a tooth-colored filling or dental crown is the answer. If it’s an infection in your gums, then gum disease treatment is needed instead.

Cracked Tooth

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? Cracked teeth are considered dental emergencies and you’ll need to visit your emergency dentist as soon as possible. Leaving your tooth untreated can allow it to be vulnerable to further damage and bacteria. Before the situation worsens, schedule an appointment with our team so we can determine the best way to address your tooth.

How you should handle a cracked tooth: Refrain from chewing on that side of your mouth, otherwise you could end up disturbing your injured tooth. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to minimize discomfort. You can also rinse with saltwater to keep your tooth bacteria-free. If you notice any sharp or jagged edges on your tooth, you can use dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your soft oral tissue.

How we treat cracked teeth: We’ll examine your cracked tooth to determine the cause of the situation as well as the proper treatment for it. If the crack is minor, then we can typically address it with composite resin to improve and strengthen your tooth. For more severe damage, you may require a dental crown to repair the structure and prevent future discomfort. If the tooth cannot be saved, then we’ll likely have to extract it and replace it with something else, such as a dental bridge, partial denture, or dental implant.

Chipped Tooth

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? Chipping your tooth isn’t always considered an urgent dental situation, so it isn’t the end of the world if you don’t get it treated right away. That said, leaving it exposed to bacteria for too long can lead to problems later on. Before the situation can become worse, it’s best to visit your dentist for help.

How you should handle a chipped tooth: Until you’re able to see us for treatment, be sure to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Be gentle when brushing your teeth and gums, and don’t hesitate to use dental wax to cover up any rough or sharp edges you might notice. This can help you prevent harming your cheeks or other soft oral tissue.

How we treat chipped teeth: Chipped teeth can typically be treated by using composite resin to repair and improve them. However, if the damage is more visible and toward the front of your smile, then veneers might be the longer-lasting solution you’re looking for.

Toothaches

Is my toothache a dental emergency? Toothaches can be due to various reasons, some of which might not be particularly urgent. Even so, this can sometimes be an indication of a more serious dental emergency, such as an oral infection. That’s why it’s best to visit your dentist sooner rather than later so that they can address the underlying problem before it grows.

How you should handle a toothache: Rinse your mouth with saltwater to sanitize the area, dislodge any stuck objects between your teeth, and help alleviate any discomfort. You can also take over-the-counter pain medications to further minimize the aching.

How we treat toothaches: Our team will need to thoroughly evaluate your smile to determine the root cause of your toothache. If it’s due to periodontal issues, then we’ll provide gum disease treatment. Other procedures to get rid of your toothache might involve root canals or tooth extractions, if necessary. We’ll be sure to walk you through your options before moving forward with any treatment.