Dr. Christine Koval, DDS

Dr. Christine Koval, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care at her Sarasota, FL clinic. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the crucial link between oral and overall systemic health. 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 experienced in the comprehensive medical care of all ages and welcomes new patients to embark on this proactive health journey. Call (941) 923-5406 to schedule.

With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Preventive Dental care, Dr. Christine DDS brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Georgetown University School Of Dentistry-D.M.D. in 1983, followed by residency training in Preventive Dentistry Services at Georgetown University School Of Dentistry. A partner in preventive health, she focuses on a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Christine DDS is a Dentist - General, Dentist - Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology practicing in Sarasota, FL, and is a recipient of America's Top Dentist annually since 2005. She is registered with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the West Coast Dental Society, and the Sarasota County Dental Association and the Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. She accepts cash, check, and all major credit cards, and offers financing through CareCredit and LendingClub. Dr. Christine DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Cavity: Cavities are preventable! Practicing good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are key to protecting your teeth from decay and maintaining your overall oral health.
• Gum Disease: Protecting your gums from disease involves practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings to reduce your risk of gum problems.
• Tooth Decay: Catching tooth decay early through regular dental checkups can prevent painful cavities, fillings, and more extensive treatments down the line.
• Toothache: A toothache can be a warning sign of a cavity or infection, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention.
• Cracked Tooth: Preventing further damage from a cracked tooth requires prompt professional care; ignoring it increases the risk of infection, pain, and potential tooth loss.
• Cleidocranial Dysostosis: Individuals with cleidocranial dysostosis may have extra teeth or teeth that don't fully erupt, necessitating regular dental monitoring and intervention to prevent infection and maintain oral hygiene.
• Clefting - Ectropion - Conical Teeth: Cleft lip and palate, ectropion (eyelids turning outward), and conical teeth can sometimes occur together, highlighting the importance of early detection of developmental issues to prevent complications.

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

• Dental Cleaning: Protect your smile and overall health with professional dental cleanings, which screen for early signs of gum disease and cavities.
• Dental Crown: A dental crown is a restorative procedure that protects a weakened or damaged tooth, serving as a proactive measure to prevent further complications and support long-term oral health.
• Dental Implant: Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant prevents the shifting of adjacent teeth and maintains the proper alignment of your bite.
• Full Mouth Reconstruction: A full mouth reconstruction helps identify and address underlying oral health issues, such as decay, gum disease, and bite problems, improving your overall well-being.
• Porcelain Veneers: As a proactive measure for improving your smile and protecting your teeth, porcelain veneers offer a long-term solution to enhance your confidence and maintain healthy teeth.
• Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening can reveal underlying dental issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of more significant problems.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Recording: For a comprehensive oral health assessment, a TMJ recording helps identify potential issues in your jaw joint, ensuring that your dentist addresses all aspects of your oral and facial 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. Christine 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 following a proactive oral hygiene routine and attending regular checkups, a family significantly reduced their risk of cavities, ensuring a healthy smile for years to come.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of gum disease, ensuring a healthy smile and overall well-being.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a family discovered and addressed early signs of tooth decay, preventing the need for extensive future dental work and ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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. Christine DDS:

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

At Dr. Christine DDS, we recommend seeing a dentist and hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This schedule helps remove tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, allows for early cavity detection, and screens for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with diligent 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 can be linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is intrinsically linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is essential for maintaining optimal oral and overall health.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Christine DDS can assess your oral health to ensure you're a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, that provide better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Christine DDS 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.

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 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. Christine DDS to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

2477 Stickney Point Rd Ste 216A
Sarasota FL 34231
Phone: (941) 923-5406

Dr. Christine Koval, 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): 1174945448

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. Christine 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.