Dr. Andrew Rockafellow, DDS

Dr. Andrew Rockafellow, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Spring Hill, 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. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your long-term health. He serves all ages, and patients should call (919) 744-4306 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Andrew Rockafellow, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Spring Hill, FL, dedicated to helping patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health through preventive care. He understands that proactive steps are crucial in preventing dental problems and promoting overall well-being. His approach emphasizes personalized plans tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring comprehensive oral health management. He is committed to providing quality care and a supportive environment for all patients. Dr. Andrew DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Gingival Fibromatosis - Dental Abnormalities: Thickening of the gums due to gingival fibromatosis can make it hard to brush and floss effectively, highlighting the importance of proactive dental care to avoid potential gum problems.
• Tooth and Nail Syndrome: Managing any associated health issues linked to Tooth and Nail Syndrome is crucial for preventing further damage to your teeth and gums.
• Protruding Front Teeth: Protruding front teeth, if left unaddressed, can increase your risk of chipping or injury, highlighting the importance of early assessment and preventative measures.
• Tooth Abscess: Catching and treating gum disease early is essential, as untreated gum disease is a major risk factor for developing a tooth abscess requiring potentially extensive dental treatment.
• Black Hairy Tongue: Regular dental check-ups are vital for early detection and treatment of conditions like black hairy tongue, ensuring healthy gums and overall oral health.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type II: Because Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type II, weakens tooth enamel and dentin, proactive dental care, including regular checkups and appropriate treatments, helps prevent further issues and maintain 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. Andrew DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• i-CAT® 3D Dental Imaging: With i-CAT® 3D imaging, you can get a comprehensive view of your oral health, enabling your dentist to catch and treat issues like impacted wisdom teeth or jawbone abnormalities before they become major problems.
• ClearCorrect™ Invisible Braces: ClearCorrect invisible braces offer a discreet way to improve your bite and proactively address potential sources of future dental problems, like TMJ disorders and gum disease.
• Gum Surgery: Gum surgery is a proactive measure to remove gum disease's underlying causes, promoting long-term oral health.
• Lingual Dental Braces: Take proactive steps towards a healthier mouth and bite with lingual braces, a treatment that addresses teeth misalignment to prevent future complications.
• Dental Care for Children and Adolescents: Protect your child's oral health and overall well-being with early detection and prevention of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues through regular dental visits.
• In-Ovation® System Braces: Straighten your teeth and improve your oral hygiene with In-Ovation® System braces, a key step toward preventing cavities, gum disease, and maintaining a healthy smile for years to come.
• Laser Treatment for Dental Fillings: For a comfortable and efficient cavity repair, explore laser filling treatment, a modern method that prioritizes preserving healthy tooth enamel and preventing further damage.

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. Andrew 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 consistently practicing good oral hygiene, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing Vincent's disease, maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully maintained healthy gums, preventing the development of gingival fibromatosis and ensuring ongoing comfort and confidence in their oral health.
• By attending regular checkups and diligently following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully managed their risk factors associated with Tooth and Nail Syndrome, ensuring a healthier smile and 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. He 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. Andrew DDS:

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

At Dr. Andrew DDS, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps 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 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 is essential for maintaining overall body health.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Andrew DDS can help with mild to moderate sleep apnea. For some patients, we create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open while you sleep, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP. We will assess your specific needs to determine if this is a suitable option for you.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, receding gums exposing tooth roots, or tiny cracks in the teeth. A proper diagnosis by Dr. Andrew DDS is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

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 the teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

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

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. Andrew DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

32 Seven Hills Dr
Spring Hill FL 34609
Phone: (919) 744-4306

Dr. Andrew Rockafellow, 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): 1750741302

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. Andrew 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.