Dr. Astrid Sand, DDS

Dr. Astrid Sand, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry specialist practicing at her Ocala, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in your lifelong oral health journey. 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 serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (352) 620-0093 to schedule.

Dr. Astrid Sand has been practicing dentistry for over 25 years, serving the Ocala, Florida area. She completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions and further specialized through fellowship training in International Congress Of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Sand's passion for the connection between oral health and overall well-being shines through in her approach. She enjoys helping anxious patients achieve their dental aspirations with a calm and relaxing manner, utilizing her expertise to provide caring, quality dentistry. Keeping abreast of the latest advancements, she attends numerous courses and conferences domestically and internationally. A professional member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology and a graduate of Del Valle University, Doctor of Dental Surgery, she offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Tooth Abrasion: Preventing tooth abrasion is crucial for preserving your natural teeth and preventing sensitivity, ensuring comfortable chewing and maintaining a healthy smile throughout your life.
• Craniosynostosis - Arthrogryposis - Cleft Palate: Regular dental checkups are particularly crucial for individuals with craniosynostosis, arthrogryposis, and cleft palate to address any unique dental needs and avoid more severe complications.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: Because Dentinogenesis Imperfecta weakens tooth structure, proactive dental care, including protective treatments, is vital to minimize the risk of tooth breakage and infection.
• Edentulism: Losing all your teeth (edentulism) can be avoided by taking proactive steps to prevent gum disease and cavities, such as brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist for checkups and cleanings.
• Crouzon Syndrome: Because Crouzon syndrome can cause abnormalities in facial structure, impacting bite and jaw alignment, early diagnosis and dental management are crucial to prevent complications like TMJ disorders and difficulty chewing.
• Salivary Gland Cyst: Managing a salivary gland cyst effectively, often through simple procedures, prevents potential infections or further growth that may affect your oral health.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: Regular dental checkups play a crucial role in early TMJ disorder diagnosis and management. Preventative care can help identify issues before they become debilitating, saving you from unnecessary pain and discomfort.

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

• Dental Crown: To safeguard your oral health, a dental crown can be used to strengthen a weakened tooth, preventing future infection or the need for more extensive dental work.
• Dental Implant: Investing in a dental implant is a proactive step in preserving your facial structure and preventing the common issues related to missing teeth.
• Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening can reveal underlying dental issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of more significant problems.
• Light Activated Teeth Whitening: Take a proactive step towards a healthier smile with light-activated teeth whitening; it's a safe and effective way to remove surface stains and enhance the overall aesthetic of your teeth.
• Restoring Teeth: Restoring teeth helps repair damaged areas, preventing further decay and discomfort, and maintaining a healthy smile.
• Retainers: Regular retainer use is a simple yet effective way to maintain the outcome of your orthodontic treatment, preventing future dental problems and promoting overall oral health.
• Dental Care for Children and Adolescents: Give your child the gift of a healthy smile and prevent future dental problems by scheduling regular checkups and cleanings.

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. Astrid 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 understanding the risks of tooth abrasion and following a personalized preventive plan, a patient maintained a healthy smile and prevented costly future dental interventions.
• By prioritizing regular dental checkups, a family proactively addressed potential dental complications associated with craniosynostosis, arthrogryposis, and cleft palate, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable future for their child.
• By following a proactive dental care plan, a family learned strategies to minimize the risk of tooth breakage and infection, providing peace of mind about their child's 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. Astrid DDS:

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

Dr. Astrid DDS recommends seeing a dentist and hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This crucial preventative care helps remove tartar buildup, detects cavities early, and screens 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, importantly, gum disease, which has links to other health problems such as heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Maintaining good oral hygiene, through regular preventive dental care, is essential for promoting overall 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. Astrid DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

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 causes tooth sensitivity?

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

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

While Dr. Astrid DDS is a dentist specializing in preventive dentistry, she can help some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. For eligible patients, she can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open during sleep, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP therapy.

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. Dr. Astrid DDS is here to help you through this process.

1140 SE 18th Pl
Ocala FL 34471
Phone: (352) 620-0093

Dr. Astrid Sand, 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): 1326191990

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. Astrid 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.