Dr. Andrea Merlano, DMD

Dr. Andrea Merlano, 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 Hialeah, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 she creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages. Please call (954) 953-8300 to confirm if Dr. Andrea DMD is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Andrea Merlano, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Hialeah, FL, with a strong emphasis on preventative care. Her practice prioritizes the long-term well-being of her patients, focusing on the critical role of prevention in maintaining optimal oral and systemic health. She works to identify and address potential issues early, using the latest research and evidence-based strategies. This approach ensures the best possible outcomes for her patients. Dr. Andrea DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Treacher Collins Syndrome: Managing Treacher Collins Syndrome often involves proactive dental care, including specialized treatments and preventative measures to minimize the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Gingival Fibromatosis - Facial Dysmorphism: Gingival fibromatosis, characterized by overgrown gums and sometimes linked to facial features, highlights the need for preventive dental care and early intervention to avoid difficulties in daily activities such as eating and speaking.
• Swollen Gums: Managing swollen gums effectively helps avoid gum disease progression, which can lead to tooth loss and potentially impact your overall health.
• Unequal Jaw Growth: Unequal jaw growth can lead to misaligned teeth and bite problems, making cleaning difficult and increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease, so early detection and intervention are crucial for preventive oral health.
• Bleeding Gums: Don't ignore bleeding gums – they're a sign that your gums need attention, and managing this early can avoid serious and costly dental procedures down the line.
• Vincent's Disease: Vincent's disease can be a serious oral health issue, but proactive measures such as consistent brushing and flossing significantly decrease your risk of developing this painful infection.
• Gum Cancer: Protecting your gum health is crucial in preventing gum cancer; regular professional cleanings and diligent oral hygiene significantly reduce your risk.

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

• Maxillofacial Surgery: To prevent long-term oral health problems, maxillofacial surgery offers comprehensive treatment options for complex facial injuries and reconstructive needs.
• Cerinate One-Hour™ Permanent Veneer: Cerinate One-Hour™ Permanent Veneers provide a long-lasting solution for chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth, contributing to improved oral health and confidence.
• Panorex X-Ray: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with a Panorex X-ray; it's a comprehensive image that allows for early detection of cavities, gum disease, and other potential problems.
• Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®): Take a proactive step towards preventing tooth loss with LANAP®, a minimally invasive laser treatment for gum disease.
• Dental Infection Treatment: Early detection and treatment of dental infections are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, reducing the need for extensive procedures later.
• Dental Examination: Ensure optimal oral health and prevent future dental problems by scheduling a routine dental examination. This important check-up allows for early diagnosis and treatment of any developing issues.
• Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Non-surgical gum treatment offers a gentle yet effective way to address gum problems, preventing more invasive procedures and preserving your natural teeth.

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. Andrea 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 proactively managing dental care, a family with a child diagnosed with Treacher Collins Syndrome experienced fewer dental problems and greater peace of mind, knowing they were taking steps to ensure optimal oral health.
• By proactively addressing potential gum overgrowth through regular dental checkups, a patient avoided the discomfort and challenges associated with gingival fibromatosis, ensuring a healthy smile and improved quality of life.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized preventive plan, a patient successfully managed their swollen gums, preventing the progression of gum disease and maintaining a healthy smile. This proactive approach ensured their oral health supported their overall well-being.

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. Andrea DMD:

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

For most people, visiting Dr. Andrea DMD and our dental hygienists every six months is recommended. This allows us to remove tartar buildup that brushing 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 gum disease, which has links to other health problems, including heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is closely linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been associated with 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?

Temporomandibular Joint (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. Andrea DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from teeth grinding.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Andrea DMD can assess your oral health to ensure 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.

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. Andrea DMD is needed to determine the exact cause and recommend effective treatments like desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up at Dr. Andrea DMD. We will visually inspect the lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities; early detection is key to successful treatment.

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to enhance their appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are caps that cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after significant damage.

1671 W 38th Pl Ste 1401
Hialeah FL 33012
Phone: (954) 953-8300

Dr. Andrea Merlano, 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): 1295410207

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. Andrea 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.