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Plano, TX 75024-5444

Shannon Stokes DDS Blog

How to Pack a Six Month Smiles Survival Kit

October 28, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — shannonstokesdds @ 10:41 pm
A man brushing his teeth in a public restroom.

Heading to work, school, or anywhere else with your new braces can be overwhelming. But don’t feel like it’s safer to hide out at home because caring for your gear on the go is too complicated. Here’s what you can include in your survival kit to help you care for your Six Month Smiles equipment after you head out the door for the day!

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“Making Up” Your Smile: Which Colors of Makeup Show Off White Teeth?

August 7, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — shannonstokesdds @ 5:43 am
A woman with a white smile and a nice shade of lipstick

Even if you want a bright smile, you may think teeth whitening treatment takes too long. The process (though effective) wouldn’t deliver the desired results in time. Well, there’s good news – some colors of makeup show off white teeth! The right shades can help your grin look dazzling, offsetting the impact of your tooth stains. As for which ones, your Plano dentist will gladly share a few. Read on to learn how makeup can improve tooth color with good lipstick shades.

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Dental Implants: The Not-So Painful Reality

June 3, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — shannonstokesdds @ 4:07 pm
Patient eagerly chatting with dentist in patient’s chair

One of the most advantageous dental treatments out there for patients with missing teeth is unfortunately also one of the more scary-sounding options. We’re of course talking about dental implants. If you don’t already know, dental implants replace gaps in your smile by anchoring a titanium post to your jawbone. This provides maximum stability and power, but can seem intense.

Fortunately, your dentist is a skilled practitioner. With their implant specialist partners at the helm, you won’t have to worry about unpleasant sensations during your placement. Keep reading for a more realistic look at what the process might feel like for you.

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Mending Mouths: When Can I Return to Work After Dental Implant Placement?

May 1, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — shannonstokesdds @ 5:25 pm
Wooden tooth next to a blue alarm clock on a pale blue background

Many dentists consider dental implants to be the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of the unique benefits they provide. Like dentures and dental bridges, they restore your ability to eat and speak like you used to. However, they’re the only prosthetics that are directly embedded into your jaw to keep it active and healthy which maintains your facial structure.

Because of the surgical component, you’ll need to give yourself enough time to recover after your procedure. For many people, that means taking time off work or school. If you want to know how long it’ll take before you can return, continue reading to find out!

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What Do Dental Implants Feel Like?

April 10, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — shannonstokesdds @ 7:20 pm

Molar and dental implantYou might have heard that traditional dental bridges and dentures don’t exactly feel like real teeth. Although they are more realistic than ever before, they have their limitations because they only replace the portions of teeth above the gums. You’re not out of options. A dental implant is the next best thing to a natural tooth because it mimics both the root and the crown. Here’s what you can expect your new tooth to feel like.

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A Crown’s Reign: How Long Will Your Dental Crown Last?

March 15, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — shannonstokesdds @ 5:51 pm
Patient smiling with their new dental crowns

Dental crowns are remarkable dental restorations that can provide strength, functionality, and aesthetic enhancement to a damaged tooth. However, many patients wonder: how long will a dental crown last? Well, it depends! If you want to learn more about dental crowns and how to increase their lifespan, read more below.

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How Many Bacteria Live in Your Mouth?

November 10, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — shannonstokesdds @ 9:16 pm

Oral bacteria and compromised toothYour mouth is home to hundreds of species of oral bacteria. Although the thought of germs hiding in your mouth might make you cringe, not all bacteria are bad. Some are crucial for your dental health, while others can harm your teeth and gums. A balance between good and bad bacteria is important. Here’s how much bacteria can be lingering in your oral cavity and what you can do to keep levels under control.

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Should Healthy Teeth Ever Be Replaced with Dental Implants?

September 12, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — shannonstokesdds @ 1:27 pm
closeup of a model of dental implants

If you’re acquainted with dental implants, you’re probably aware of their impressive capability to fully restore missing teeth. Once placed within the jawbone, they can completely rejuvenate the aesthetics, sensation, and functionality of a smile, offering exceptional and unmatched benefits. However, the question arises: is it ever advisable to replace healthy teeth with dental implants, or should one aim to preserve their natural teeth for as long as possible? Keep reading to learn more.

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Fact or Myth: Is Ice Cream Really Bad for Your Teeth?

July 12, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — shannonstokesdds @ 10:06 am
Four ice cream cones sitting in a stand. From left to right: vanilla, strawberry, cookies and cream, chocolate. An ice cream scoop, waffle cone, and some toppings are in the background.

What better way to cool off this summer than to enjoy your favorite frozen treat? Although delicious and refreshing, ice cream can actually negatively impact your oral health. So, before you make a trip to the store or queue up for long ice cream shop lines, take your smile into consideration. Here is the inside scoop on why ice cream is bad for your teeth and how you can minimize the effect it has on your smile.

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Tips for Recovering From a Full Mouth Reconstruction

May 11, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — shannonstokesdds @ 8:32 am
dentists looking at an x-ray and pointing at a model of teeth

If your oral health is in a tough spot, your dentist may recommend that you get what’s called a full mouth reconstruction. This is a combination of several restorative treatments—fillings, crowns, gum disease treatment, etc.—used to get people with severe oral health problems back on track.

As you may imagine, recovering from a full mouth reconstruction can take a little bit of time. If you’re wondering how to make that a little bit easier, here are some things you can try.

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Meet the Dentist Shannon Stokes, D.D.S.

In 1996, Dr. Shannon Stokes earned his D.D.S. from the Baylor College of Dentistry, hailed as one of the country's best dental school. Since then, he has completed a variety of post-graduate courses in different dental fields, and he has experience in a range of areas, from cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry to surgical care and root canal therapy.

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Contact Us Shannon Stokes, D.D.S.

6861 Coit Rd Ste B
Plano, TX 75024-5444
Phone: (972) 596-0200

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Closed