Dr. Catherine De La Torre, DMD

Dr. Catherine De La Torre, 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 Wesley Chapel, 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 creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages and patients should call (813) 973-8555 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Catherine De La Torre, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Wesley Chapel, FL, committed to the proactive approach of preventing dental issues. Her practice focuses on personalized preventive care plans, from routine check-ups to more specialized interventions. She understands that oral health is intrinsically linked to overall wellness, and her approach prioritizes the patient's role in achieving optimal oral and systemic health. She is dedicated to empowering patients to become active participants in their own preventive dental care, recognizing that knowledge and participation are key to long-term well-being. Dr. Catherine DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Jaw Irregularities: Addressing jaw irregularities proactively helps maintain proper bite alignment, reducing the risk of developing more serious dental problems and improving overall oral health.
• Orofacial Infection: Early detection of orofacial infections through regular dental checkups is crucial for prompt treatment and preventing serious health issues.
• Craniosynostosis - Arthrogryposis - Cleft Palate: Addressing craniosynostosis, arthrogryposis, and cleft palate through specialized care can help prevent secondary oral health issues, such as difficulties with chewing, swallowing, and maintaining good oral hygiene.
• Receded Upper Jaw: Preventing further recession of your upper jaw requires prompt attention to gum health, with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings being key preventative measures.
• Cleidocranial Dysostosis: Cleidocranial dysostosis is a rare genetic condition affecting bone and tooth development, making regular dental checkups crucial for early detection and management of potential oral health issues.
• Dental Bone Loss: Dental bone loss is preventable through diligent oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings, helping you keep your teeth strong and healthy for years to come.
• Crouzon Syndrome: Children with Crouzon syndrome may experience unique dental challenges due to the condition's impact on facial growth; regular check-ups and specialized dental care can help manage these 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. Catherine DMD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Orthotic Treatment: By using orthotics to realign your teeth, you're safeguarding your gums from excessive pressure and wear, lowering your risk of periodontal disease.
• Single Visit Root Canals: Take a proactive step towards preventing tooth loss with a single-visit root canal, effectively treating the infection and saving your natural tooth.
• 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.
• Laser Root Planing: Protect your teeth and gums long-term by opting for laser root planing; it helps eliminate infection and improve the overall health of your gums.
• Preparation for Alveolar Cleft Repair: Pre-surgical preparation for alveolar cleft repair involves a thorough evaluation of your oral health to ensure you are ready for this important corrective surgery.
• STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System™: Take control of your dental health with the STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System™; it ensures a more precise and comfortable experience during necessary procedures, minimizing pain and discomfort.
• Osseous Surgery: Osseous surgery is a proactive measure to address severe bone loss associated with gum disease, improving the chances of successful dental implant placement and overall oral health.

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. Catherine 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 addressing potential jaw irregularities, a family gained valuable insight into maintaining a healthy bite, reducing the risk of future dental issues, and enjoying greater peace of mind.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient proactively identified and treated a minor oral issue, significantly reducing the risk of a more serious orofacial infection. This proactive approach ensured a comfortable and healthy smile for years to come.
• A family proactively managed their child's craniosynostosis, arthrogryposis, and cleft palate through specialized care, preventing secondary oral health issues and fostering improved chewing, swallowing, and oral hygiene. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and a positive outlook for the family's future.

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. Catherine DMD:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Catherine DMD and our dental hygienist 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, 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 intricately linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is crucial for maintaining optimal body health.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Catherine recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for ensuring proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home for future care.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Catherine DMD can help with some cases of snoring or sleep apnea. For some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, she 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.

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 seals out food and plaque, preventing cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Catherine DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

27510 Cashford Cir
Wesley Chapel FL 33544
Phone: (813) 973-8555

Dr. Catherine De La Torre, 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): 1649568767

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. Catherine 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.