Dr. Amy Alfaro, DMD

Dr. Amy Alfaro, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her commitment extends beyond the immediate dental issue, recognizing that general preventive dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health. This involves creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health.

General Preventive Dentistry emphasizes early intervention and education, fostering a partnership between patient and practitioner. Dr. Amy DMD understands that a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy body, and she is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages, and patients should call (760) 725-3213 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Amy Alfaro, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Jacksonville, FL, and provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Amy DMD's approach to preventive dentistry is rooted in a deep understanding of oral health's connection to overall wellness. She utilizes a patient-centered, collaborative model, empowering individuals to make informed choices about their oral care. By emphasizing prevention and proactive strategies, she aims to provide each patient with the tools and knowledge necessary to maintain optimal oral and systemic health throughout their lives.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Amy DMD is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Amy DMD can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Amy DMD provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth can lead to increased sensitivity and pain if left untreated; regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and management.
• Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: Oral hairy leukoplakia, a condition marked by white patches on the tongue, is often linked to weakened immunity and underscores the importance of proactive dental care for early detection and addressing underlying health issues.
• Halitosis: Persistent bad breath may indicate an oral health problem that, if left untreated, could lead to more significant health complications.
• Candidiasis of Mouth: Oral thrush, or candidiasis, is a fungal infection of the mouth that's preventable with good oral hygiene and early detection, helping avoid further complications.
• Lip Cancer: Early detection of lip cancer through self-exams and professional dental checkups allows for less invasive treatment and better long-term prognosis.
• Stained Teeth: Addressing tooth stains early can prevent further discoloration and improve your overall oral health, minimizing the need for more extensive treatments later.
• Gingival Fibromatosis - Dental Abnormalities: Preventing complications from gingival fibromatosis starts with early detection and regular dental checkups; addressing this condition helps maintain healthy gums and overall oral health.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Amy DMD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Apicoectomy: An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the infected tip of a tooth's root to prevent further infection and save the tooth.
• Palatal Expander: Taking a proactive step towards better oral health, a palatal expander helps address narrow upper jaws, reducing the risk of future orthodontic problems and improving facial symmetry.
• Root Planing: To proactively safeguard your gums, root planing smooths the tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to accumulate and reducing your risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
• Sulcular Debridement: This specialized cleaning, known as sulcular debridement, targets the gum line to remove harmful bacteria, reducing your risk of gum disease and supporting overall oral health.
• Gum Disease Treatment: Gum disease treatment helps identify and manage gum infections, protecting your teeth and improving your overall oral health.
• Dental Crown: A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and protect it from further decay, helping you keep your natural smile for longer.
• Composite Fillings: Composite fillings are a proactive way to repair cavities and prevent further tooth decay, protecting your smile's long-term health.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Preventive Dentistry Services in Florida.

Dr. Amy DMD is dedicated to partnering with Dental Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient identified a small chipped tooth early, preventing further damage and discomfort, and maintaining a healthy smile.
• By attending regular dental checkups and following a proactive oral health plan, a patient successfully reduced their risk of oral hairy leukoplakia, promoting overall well-being and peace of mind.
• A patient, concerned about persistent bad breath, sought guidance from a preventive dentist, and, through consistent oral hygiene and proactive checkups, successfully managed halitosis, gaining confidence in their oral health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Preventive Dental care with Dr. Amy DMD:

How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?

At Dr. Amy DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows our dental hygienists to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, and helps us catch cavities early. Regular check-ups also screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease, which is linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal body health.

What is TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Amy can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Amy DMD can assess your oral health to determine if you are a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, for better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using extremely low levels of radiation. They allow Dr. Amy to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and treatment.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Amy recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for ensuring proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home for future care.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, receding gums exposing the tooth root, or tiny cracks in the teeth. A proper diagnosis by Dr. Amy DMD is needed to determine the cause and recommend effective treatments, like desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

2005 Knight Ln Bldg H
Jacksonville FL 32212
Phone: (760) 725-3213

Dr. Amy Alfaro, DMD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1669840864

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Preventive Dentistry Services like Dr. Amy DMD are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your preventive dentistry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.