Dr. Andra Hayward, DMD

Dr. Andra Hayward, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she serves all ages at Sage Dental Villages at Colony Plaza in The Villages, FL. 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. Patients should call (352) 391-5518 to confirm if Dr. Andra DMD is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Andra DMD, a highly dedicated and knowledgeable dental professional, is passionate about improving the well-being of her patients. Growing up in Florida, she developed a strong commitment to meeting the community's oral health needs and pursued her education at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. Her dedication extends beyond clinical practice, evidenced by over 1,500 hours of oral health advocacy in her Post-Doctorate Program. Dr. Andra DMD's approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She holds a Master's in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship, further enriching her commitment to patient care. A member of the Dental Society of Orlando, Dr. Andra DMD is committed to providing high-quality, personalized treatment plans. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Tooth Demineralization: Preventing tooth decay starts with understanding tooth demineralization—the process where your enamel weakens, increasing your risk of cavities; regular checkups and proper brushing help detect and reverse this.
• Chronic Periodontitis: Preventing chronic periodontitis starts with maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits; early detection and treatment can stop the disease from progressing and damaging your gums and teeth.
• Dry Tooth Socket: Post-extraction care, including avoiding smoking and following prescribed mouthwash instructions, is vital in preventing a painful dry socket and promoting optimal healing.
• Narrow Oral Fissure - Short Stature - Cone - Shaped Epiphyses: Narrow oral fissures, short stature, and cone-shaped epiphyses can be early signs of a genetic condition that may affect overall health, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups for early intervention and management.
• Pericoronitis: Pericoronitis is an infection of the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth, often a wisdom tooth, and early detection through regular dental checkups can prevent serious complications like abscesses.
• Cherubism: While cherubism can't be prevented, regular dental visits enable early identification, allowing for proactive management of jawbone growth and minimizing complications.
• Compulsive Cheek Biting: Repeatedly biting your cheek increases your risk of developing painful sores, infections, and even long-term damage to your teeth and gums, highlighting the need for early intervention.

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. Andra DMD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Jaw Reconstruction Surgery: This surgery helps rebuild and restore damaged jawbones, improving facial aesthetics and reducing the risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™; the process allows your dentist to identify potential issues before they become major problems.
• Teeth Whitening: Enhance your oral hygiene routine with teeth whitening, helping you maintain a healthy, attractive smile for years to come.
• Orthotic Treatment: Investing in orthotic treatment can correct misaligned teeth, preventing potential future complications like cavities and gum disease that are harder to treat.
• Preseason Dental Exam: Protect your smile this season with a checkup; a preseason dental exam helps identify and address any oral health concerns, promoting a healthy mouth and overall well-being.
• Laser Treatment for Dental Fillings: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with laser filling treatment; this advanced technique helps restore damaged teeth and minimizes the risk of further decay.
• Nobel Teeth in an Hour™: Take a proactive step toward preventing cavities and gum disease with a quick dental assessment that identifies potential problems early.

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. Andra 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 checkups and diligently following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully reduced their risk of tooth demineralization, ensuring a healthy and confident smile for years to come.
• By diligently following a preventive oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully maintained healthy gums and teeth, reducing their risk of developing chronic periodontitis and enjoying a confident smile.
• Following the dentist's post-extraction instructions, including avoiding smoking and using mouthwash diligently, a patient experienced a smooth healing process, avoiding the pain of a dry socket and regaining 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. Andra DMD:

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

At Dr. Andra DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up 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 meticulous brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This crucial step prevents cavities and, more importantly, 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, including regular checkups and cleanings, is essential for maintaining good oral and overall body health.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Andra DMD can assess your oral health, determine if you're 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. Andra to see issues like cavities between teeth, 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.

What is a root canal and why is it needed?

A root canal is a procedure to save a badly infected or damaged tooth. It involves removing the inflamed pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. This treatment relieves pain and prevents the need for tooth extraction.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Andra DMD can help with snoring and sleep apnea. For some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, we can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open while you sleep. This is a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.

Sage Dental Villages at Colony Plaza
339 Colony Blvd
The Villages FL 32162
Phone: (352) 391-5518

Dr. Andra Hayward, 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): 1508435058

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. Andra 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.