FAQs

General Dentistry

How often should I visit the dentist?

Most patients benefit from dental checkups and cleanings every six months. Patients with gum disease, a history of cavities, or other ongoing concerns may need more frequent visits. Regular exams allow us to catch small problems before they become expensive ones.

Is gum disease really that serious?

Yes. Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection that destroys the structures supporting your teeth — gum tissue, ligaments, and bone. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease has also been linked to systemic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. At Eccella Smiles, we take gum disease seriously and offer both preventive care and non-surgical treatments to stop it in its tracks.

How can I pay for my dental treatment?

We accept cash, check, credit cards, and dental insurance. We also offer financing through CareCredit and Med Loan Finance, which allow you to spread treatment costs over time — often with low or no interest. Our team can help you understand your options and maximize your insurance benefits at your appointment.

How can you help with dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is extremely common — studies estimate that 40 million Americans avoid the dentist because of it. At our Jacksonville Beach office, we’ve designed an environment that feels nothing like a traditional dental office. For patients who need additional support, we offer sedation dentistry options that eliminate anxiety and allow you to receive care comfortably. We welcome anxious patients and always take extra time to explain what we’re doing before we do it.

Cosmetic Dentistry

What cosmetic dental services does Eccella Smiles offer?

We offer a full range of cosmetic dentistry services, including porcelain veneers, teeth whitening (Zoom and take-home), dental bonding, tooth reshaping, gum lifts, and complete smile makeovers. We also offer Botox and facial aesthetics as part of our comprehensive approach to smile enhancement.

What is an all-porcelain smile makeover?

An all-porcelain smile makeover is a comprehensive cosmetic treatment centered on porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin shells of dental-grade porcelain bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth, allowing Dr. Sox to alter the size, shape, color, and alignment of your smile in just two to three visits. The result is highly natural-looking and long-lasting.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

With proper care, porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Avoiding habits like biting your nails, chewing ice, or grinding your teeth (bruxism) helps extend their lifespan. Wearing a nightguard if you grind is strongly recommended.

What is the difference between in-office and take-home teeth whitening?

In-office whitening (such as Zoom) delivers dramatic results in a single appointment — typically 6 to 8 shades brighter in about an hour. Take-home whitening uses custom-fitted trays and professional-strength gel for more gradual results over 1 to 2 weeks. Both options are significantly more effective than over-the-counter products. We can recommend the best approach based on your goals and the sensitivity of your teeth.

What does CEREC stand for, and what can it do?

CEREC stands for CERamic REConstruction. It uses CAD/CAM technology — Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Milling — to design and fabricate an all-ceramic, reinforced porcelain dental crown in a single visit. There are no temporary crowns, no messy impressions, and no second appointment. The crown is designed, milled, and placed the same day.

Orthodontics & Invisalign

Am I a candidate for Invisalign?

Most adults and many teens are good candidates for Invisalign. It can treat a wide range of alignment issues including crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. The best way to find out is with a consultation — we offer a free virtual consult to get started. Invisalign is not always the right fit for very complex bite corrections, which may require traditional braces.

How is Invisalign different from traditional braces?

Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners instead of metal brackets and wires. The aligners are virtually invisible when worn, can be removed for eating and oral hygiene, and generally require fewer office visits. Treatment time is comparable to braces for most cases. Invisalign is a popular choice for adults who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of traditional orthodontics.

Dental Implants & Restorations

What are dental implants, and are they permanent?

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once integrated with the bone (a process called osseointegration), the implant supports a crown, bridge, or denture. Implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth in terms of function, appearance, and feel — and with proper care, they can last a lifetime.

What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?

Leaving a gap where a tooth was removed causes the adjacent teeth to drift toward the space, which affects your bite and can lead to jaw pain. The jawbone beneath the gap also begins to resorb (shrink) without a root to stimulate it. Over time, this can alter your facial structure and make future restoration more complex. Replacing missing teeth promptly protects your remaining teeth and bone.

TMJ & Neuromuscular Dentistry

What is neuromuscular dentistry?

Neuromuscular dentistry addresses the health and function of the jaw joints, muscles, and nerves — not just the teeth. Dr. Wagner recognizes that 90% of dental pain originates in the facial muscles and jaw system. By achieving proper jaw alignment, neuromuscular dentistry can relieve symptoms including chronic headaches, migraines, jaw pain, teeth grinding (bruxism), neck pain, and even tingling in the extremities.

How do I know if I have TMJ disorder?

Common signs of TMJ disorder include jaw pain or clicking when opening and closing the mouth, difficulty chewing, frequent headaches or migraines, ear ringing, neck or shoulder pain, and teeth grinding. If you experience several of these symptoms, a neuromuscular evaluation can determine whether jaw dysfunction is the underlying cause.

Periodontal Care

What is the difference between a cleaning and a deep cleaning?

A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of teeth above and just below the gum line — appropriate for patients with healthy gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes further, removing calculus and bacteria from the root surfaces deep within the gum pockets. It is the standard first treatment for patients diagnosed with gum disease, and often stops its progression without surgery.

Can gum disease be reversed?

In its early stage (gingivitis), gum disease can be reversed with a professional cleaning and improved home care. Once it progresses to periodontitis — where the gum pockets deepen and bone loss begins — it cannot be fully reversed, but it can be controlled and stabilized with treatment. The goal at that stage is to halt further damage and maintain gum health with regular periodontal maintenance visits.