Dr. Cara Clark, DMD

Dr. Cara Clark, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. She practices at her clinic in Gainesville, 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, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, and she serves all ages.

Dr. Cara Clark, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Gainesville, FL, accepting new patients. Her focus on prevention emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention. She works to create personalized plans tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring comprehensive preventative care that promotes optimal oral and systemic health. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (352) 331-9992 to schedule. Dr. Cara DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Cara 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. Cara 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. Cara 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 Displacement: Preventing tooth displacement through good oral hygiene and wearing a mouthguard during sports minimizes the risk of serious dental problems.
• 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.
• Orofacial Infection: Managing orofacial infections effectively reduces the risk of spreading infection and developing chronic diseases, protecting your overall health.
• Impacted Teeth: To avoid potential pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth, preventative dental checkups are essential for the early detection and management of impacted teeth.
• Dentin Dysplasia - Sclerotic Bones: Dentin dysplasia affects tooth structure, making preventive dental care, including regular check-ups and appropriate cleaning techniques, crucial to avoid secondary issues such as infections or tooth loss.
• Cataract Dental Syndrome: Cataract Dental Syndrome is a rare condition linking eye cataracts with specific dental characteristics, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection of any unusual oral findings.
• Odontogenic Lesions: Odontogenic lesions can sometimes indicate underlying health issues, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive oral health for your overall well-being. Early detection through regular checkups is key.

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

• Dental Laser Procedure: Invest in your long-term oral health with a dental laser procedure. It provides a precise approach to treating gum disease, cavities, and other oral health concerns, minimizing discomfort and downtime.
• E4D Dentist® CAD-CAM System: Protect your smile and prevent future dental issues by utilizing the E4D Dentist® system for precise and efficient restorations, helping maintain the integrity of your teeth.
• Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: An ultrasonic dental cleaning provides a deep clean, removing stubborn plaque and tartar that contribute to cavities and gum disease, helping you stay ahead of potential problems.
• Dental Sealant: Dental sealants are a proactive way to protect your children's teeth from cavities by creating a shield over the chewing surfaces of their molars.
• Molar Endodontics: Early detection of infections in your molars is crucial; molar endodontics offers a solution to save your teeth and ensure long-lasting oral health.
• Arestin® Therapy: For a healthier mouth and body, consider Arestin® Therapy. This treatment directly addresses gum disease, reducing the need for more extensive procedures.
• Pre-Operative Examination for Dental Surgery: A pre-operative dental exam helps your dentist identify any potential issues that could complicate your upcoming dental surgery, ensuring a smoother and safer procedure.

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. Cara 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 consistently practicing good oral hygiene and wearing a mouthguard during sports, a patient significantly reduced the risk of tooth displacement, ensuring a healthy and confident smile for years to come.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized preventive plan, a patient successfully managed gingival fibromatosis, preventing further growth and maintaining a comfortable quality of life. This proactive approach ensured they could continue to enjoy their daily routines without discomfort.
• By diligently following a preventive dentistry plan, a family experienced a significant reduction in the risk of orofacial infections, ensuring their overall well-being and peace of mind.

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. Cara DMD:

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

At Dr. Cara DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows us to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, detect 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 is linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is deeply connected to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is 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 oral and overall health.

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. Cara DMD is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

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 are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that helps seal out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

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.

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. Cara to see issues like cavities and bone loss that aren't visible, enabling early intervention and better oral 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. Cara DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

1204 NW 69th Ter Ste E
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 331-9992

Dr. Cara Clark, 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): 1336469758

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. Cara 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.