Dr. Ana Palacios, DDS

Dr. Ana Palacios, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Miami, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her focus on prevention extends beyond the immediate; General Preventive Dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health, creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and providing 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 (305) 927-7400 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Ana DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Miami, FL, dedicated to fostering a strong partnership with her patients. Her approach emphasizes the importance of proactive care, recognizing that preventative measures are crucial for maintaining optimal oral and systemic health. She understands that preventive dentistry is not just about avoiding dental problems; it’s about cultivating a holistic approach to well-being. This includes creating personalized prevention strategies, working closely with patients to understand their unique needs, and providing clear, accessible information to help them take control of their oral health journey. Dr. Ana DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Ana DDS 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. Ana DDS 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. Ana DDS 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:

• Mouth Lesions: Early detection and treatment of mouth lesions significantly reduces your risk of developing more serious oral conditions, highlighting the value of preventive dental care.
• Toothache: A toothache can be a warning sign of a cavity or infection, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention.
• Amelogenesis Imperfecta: Amelogenesis imperfecta is a rare genetic condition affecting tooth enamel development, making teeth prone to decay and requiring proactive dental care to minimize complications.
• Tooth Loss: Protecting your teeth from loss involves diligent brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: Managing TMJ disorder proactively minimizes the risk of chronic jaw pain, headaches, and earaches, improving your overall quality of life and preventing significant health issues down the line.
• Ankylosis: Managing ankylosis through early intervention can prevent the need for more extensive and complex treatments later on, safeguarding your overall oral health.
• Crooked Teeth: Addressing crooked teeth through orthodontic treatment can prevent future jaw problems, tooth damage, and gum disease, supporting your overall long-term 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. Ana DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT): Ensure optimal dental health by utilizing a cone beam CT scan, a powerful diagnostic tool which assists in the early detection of abnormalities in the jawbone, teeth, and surrounding tissues, thus supporting proactive treatment for better outcomes.
• Dental Prophylaxis, Adult: A dental prophylaxis is a professional cleaning that helps prevent cavities and gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup.
• Orthodontic Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs): To straighten your teeth and improve your bite, orthodontic temporary anchorage devices (TADs) provide a stable anchor point for your braces, ensuring effective treatment and a healthier, more confident smile.
• In-Office 3D Cone Beam Imaging: Invest in your oral health and prevent future complications with a 3D Cone Beam scan; this detailed imaging helps us develop a precise treatment plan and catch problems early.
• Amalgam Filling Removal: This procedure helps maintain the structural integrity of your teeth, preventing future complications like root canals or tooth loss, contributing to long-term oral health.
• Dental Inlays: As a preventive measure against larger dental problems, inlays help to reinforce weakened areas of your teeth and maintain oral health.
• Pre-Operative Examination for Dental Surgery: Before your dental surgery, a pre-operative exam allows your dentist to assess your oral health, helping to prevent complications and optimize the success of your treatment.

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. Ana DDS 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 checkups and addressing minor mouth issues promptly, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing more serious oral health problems, ensuring a healthier smile for years to come.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a family proactively identified and addressed potential toothache issues early, reducing the risk of more extensive and costly dental work in the future. This proactive approach ensured their oral health remained strong and pain-free.
• By proactively scheduling regular dental checkups and following a personalized preventative plan, a family significantly reduced the risk of extensive dental interventions associated with amelogenesis imperfecta, ensuring a healthier smile for generations to come.

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. Ana DDS:

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

At Dr. Ana DDS, we recommend visiting every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This allows our team to remove tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, catch cavities early, and 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, more importantly, gum disease, which has been 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, including regular checkups and cleanings, is essential for maintaining optimal body health.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Ana DDS 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 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. Ana DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from teeth grinding.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They're a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seals out food and plaque, preventing cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

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. Ana DDS to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is an early, reversible stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious stage where the bone supporting your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

15 SW 107th Ave
Miami FL 33174
Phone: (305) 927-7400

Dr. Ana Palacios, DDS 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): 1295925717

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. Ana DDS 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.