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DENTIST NEAR SAN MARCO, FL

Love Your Dental
Experience

Why Patients in San Marco Choose Us

Anything but Standard

Locally Owned & Operated

Dentistry Centered Around Attention, Creativity, and Expertise

Exceptional, Personalized Dental Care

Safe, Clean, and Comfortable Dental Office

Superior Service, Superior Results

Dr. Richard C. Mullens

Dr. James Nguyen

Say Hello to Our Skilled San Marco Dentists

Multiple Decades of Combined Experience

Grounded in Positivity, Sincerity, Confidence, and Boldness

Artistic and Detail-Oriented Duo

Completed Countless Hours of Continuing Education

Active Members of Professional Organizations

Passionate About Providing Exquisite, Long-Lasting Results

Meet Our Dentists

Dr. Richard C. Mullens

As a trusted dentist near San Marco, Dr. Mullens continues to serve the patients living in and around the area just as he has done for the past 30 years. Seeing individuals who were once patients as children but are now bringing in their own children is a true joy and honor for Dr. Mullens, which is why he is so passionate about the field!

Viewing his pediatric dentist as his role model from an early age, he aspired to work in dentistry and went on to view it as an opportunity to mix it with his interest in technology.

Dr. Mullens attended Florida State University before pursuing his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During his time at the University of Florida College of Dentistry at Jacksonville, he completed an Advanced General Dentistry Residency. Since these early days of schooling and residency, he has gone on to complete more than 1,500 hours of continuing education in dental implant therapy, esthetic dentistry, bite disorders, rehabilitative dentistry, and team development.

When Dr. Mullens isn’t busy perfecting a patient’s smile, he is found with his college sweetheart and wife Sherrill, and his two children Jordan and Tucker. He is often enjoying time water-fishing, waterskiing, surfing, riding motorcycles, hiking, and traveling.

Dr. James Nguyen

An artist at heart, Dr. James Nguyen enjoys combining his passion for the arts and the immense creativity it provides with dentistry. With more than 10 years of experience in dentistry, he grew up in a family full of medical professionals. With dentists and physicians to look up to, he knew early on that dentistry was his goal, especially since his mother combined artistry and the dental field in a way that inspired and encouraged him.

But before he could start helping transform smiles, he graduated with his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture before completing his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida. His residency followed at the University of Florida in Seminole. Helping him to perform advanced procedures with great precision, he spent time working in cosmetic dentistry, root canals, dental implant placement, surgical tooth extractions, and bone grafting.

Nowadays, Dr. Nguyen is a courtesy faculty member at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He has also completed the Dawson Academy Curriculum, and he is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

Outside the office, this dentist near San Marco enjoys spending time with his wife Jacqi, who runs a law firm, and their dog Piper and cat Barry. Apart from his time spent with his wife and pets, Dr. Nguyen enjoys mountain biking, photography, woodworking, furniture making, archery, fishing, and traveling.

Hear From Other Nearby Patients

I have been seeing Dr. Mullens for over 10 years and every appointment is always such a pleasure. Everyone that works there is knowledgeable, helpful, kind and genuinely there to give their patients the best possible experience – including the addition of Dr. Nguyen. If you need a new dentist, I highly recommend Distinctive Dentistry – you will not be disappointed!

Caroline P., Jacksonville, FL

How Can We Help You Smile?

If you’re looking for a dental office near San Marco that provides comprehensive, all-encompassing care under one roof, you’ve come to the right place! Our team is ready to provide the treatment you need at a price you can easily afford. Click on any of the links below to learn more about our available services.

I Need a
Checkup & Cleaning

I Need a
Dentist for My Child

I Am
Concerned About
Bleeding Gums

I Have a
Cavity or Broken Tooth

I Am Missing
One or More Teeth

I Am
Unhappy with My Smile

I Want a
Straighter Smile

I Am
Scared of the Dentist

I Am in
Pain & Need Help

How We Make Your Dental Care Affordable

We Welcome Dental Insurance

We Happily Accept Flexible Financing

Locating Our San Marco Dental Office

From essential preventive care to last-minute emergency dentistry close by, our San Marco dentists are here for you – we’re just down the street from the heart of San Marco! Our address is 3215 Hendricks Ave #1, Jacksonville, FL 32207. You’ll find us near Hendricks Avenue Elementary School, Metro Diner, and Southside United Methodist Church. If you have any difficulty finding us, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for step-by-step instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions, Answered!

While looking for a dentist near San Marco, it’s completely normal to have a few lingering questions in mind even after reading the information above. At Distinctive Dentistry, we want to address all your concerns to help you feel well-informed. For that reason, we’ve decided to answer some frequently asked questions below. Should you not find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact our office for personal assistance!

Dental emergencies are unsettling and can happen when you least expect them to. If you ever find yourself experiencing one, you may be unsure of what to do. Luckily, we’re here to help! You should contact our practice right away to find out what your next best steps should be. An experienced team member will schedule an emergency appointment and provide you with first-aid instructions to manage your situation in the meantime. If you’re experiencing life-threatening symptoms like uncontrollable bleeding, difficulty breathing, and the inability to swallow, you should go to your nearest emergency room.

You may be surprised to learn that there is no single designation that qualifies a dentist to be a cosmetic dentist. However, there are organizations that offer advanced training in cosmetic dentistry. When searching for one, you should make sure the dentist has extensive involvement in one of the following high-profile organizations:

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)

American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (AAED)

Las Vegas Institute

First and foremost, you should identify which factors are most important to you when it comes to dental work. Do you want a family-friendly dentist? One that offers comprehensive services? Orthodontic treatments? An office that’s closer to your home or work? After you’ve made a list of elements that are important to you, you can start searching for the perfect practice. Make sure you read up on patient reviews and staff bios to ensure they meet the criteria you’ve established.

Believe it or not, dentistry is affordable and offers a very high value if you work with your dentist to prevent serious oral health issues. Dental insurance is an excellent tool that can greatly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses if you know how to use your benefits. If you don’t have dental insurance, we offer CareCredit financing to make your treatment as affordable as possible. It allows you to split up the overall cost of your treatment into smaller monthly installments.

Contact us

We believe in caring for each other and serving our patients as if they were members of our own family. We want to help people transform their world, get excited about their potential, inspire change, and open new possibilities for themselves and their community. We exist at the intersection of unparalleled genuine care and creative innovation. Visit our beautiful state-of-the-art office in San Marco, Jacksonville to experience the dental care you deserve.

Have Questions? Get Answers

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

© 2025 Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen

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I Need a Dental Checkup & Cleaning

Dental checkups and cleanings should occur every six months and allow your dentist near San Marco to check for signs of infection or damage that can negatively impact your teeth and gums in the future. With early detection of tooth decay, gum disease, and physical damage, we can reduce potential problems and keep smiles on the right track.

I Need a Dentist for My Child

Young teeth and gums grow and develop at different rates. Having a trusted dentist to monitor these changes is essential, which is why we are pleased to provide children’s dentistry near San Marco designed for young smiles. Whether it’s dental sealants, mouthguards, or lip and tongue-tie treatment, we’re here to help!

I Am Concerned About Bleeding Gums

Inflamed and bleeding gums usually mean a person has gum disease. If left untreated, this problem can lead to bone and tooth loss as well as issues that can form throughout the body. With the help of periodontal therapy, however, a dentist near you can eliminate bad oral bacteria and restore your gum health for a better future.

I Have a Cavity or Broken Tooth

Dental decay and damage can make any beautiful smile look and feel incomplete. Fortunately, we are pleased to provide restorative dental treatments that offer optimal protection. Dental crowns near San Marco, tooth-colored fillings are all available in our office so that you can feel confident and comfortable in your newly repaired smile.

I am Missing One or More Teeth

Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat, speak, and smile. If you want a solution that will restore your appearance and full oral functionality, you can’t go wrong with dental implants near San Marco. Surgically implanted into your jawbone, you’ll enjoy greater longevity with these superior prosthetics. You also have the option to choose from a dental bridge or a full or partial denture if you prefer.

I Am Unhappy With My Smile

Cosmetic dentistry comes in all forms. Veneers near San Marco, teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, and even gum recontouring are all possible with the help of our trusted team. We can even improve your facial aesthetics with Botox and dermal fillers! Let us transform your appearance with a solution that works best for you!

I Want a Straighter Smile

Crooked, misaligned, and gapped teeth can make it hard to feel confident in your smile. But instead of relying on traditional metal braces, why not consider the alternative – Smart Moves Clear Aligners! With these subtle trays, a dentist near San Marco can help you work toward a straighter, healthier smile without compromising your daily appearance.

I am Scared of the Dentist

If you suffer from dental anxiety, you may wonder if receiving regular dental care is even necessary. The truth is that it is, and there are ways to make your appointments more relaxing and enjoyable – sedation dentistry near San Marco. Using nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, we can change the way you view the dentist’s office once and for all.

I Am In Pain & Need Help

Do you have a painful toothache? Did one of your dental crowns become loose? Did one of your teeth get knocked out entirely? No matter what the dental injury is, priority number one is getting help. With morning, evening, lunchtime, and weekend hours, our team strives to be here for you when you need it most. Since our dental office is only five minutes away, our emergency dentist near South Pasadena is never far away.

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

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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.

Learn More About Dental Implants

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.

Learn More About Dentures
Learn More About Implant Dentures
Learn More About Dental Implants

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL BRIDGES
LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
LEARN MORE ABOUT GUM DISEASE TREATMENT

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.

Learn More About Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Learn More About Dental Crowns
Learn More About Tooth Extractions

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.

Learn More About Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers

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.

Learn More About Root Canal Therapy
Learn More About Tooth Extractions
Learn More About Gum Disease Treatment