Dr. Christopher Bonesteel, DMD

Dr. Christopher Bonesteel, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventive dental care at Oakridge Dental Care in Ocala, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His practice focuses on General Preventive Dentistry, serving as your primary partner in lifelong oral health. Dr. Bonesteel creates personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Contact us at (352) 520-2812 to schedule your appointment.

Dr. Bonesteel, a member of the Doctor Mastery Program, completed rigorous medical training from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and Florida State University. This five-year program, led by renowned clinicians, honed his foundational skills and advanced his mastery of complex dental care. Upon completion, he achieved Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a distinction held by only 7% of general dentists in the United States. His commitment to ongoing education, demonstrated through certifications in Nitrous Oxide Sedation and Invisalign, and memberships in the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, and International Association of Student Clinicians, ensures patients receive the highest quality care. Dr. Bonesteel's philosophy emphasizes lifetime care, proactive problem-solving, and a stress-free environment. He values the importance of preventing issues before they become serious, thus sustaining his patients' overall health. Dr. Christopher DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Christopher 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. Christopher 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. Christopher 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 Loss: Early detection of gum disease and cavities through routine dental visits can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing tooth loss later in life.
• Tooth Malformation: Certain tooth malformations can impact your ability to properly clean your teeth, raising your risk of cavities and gum disease; regular dental visits for professional cleaning and guidance are essential for prevention.
• Tooth Decay: Preventing tooth decay is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being, as untreated decay can lead to infections and other health problems.
• Loose Teeth: Preventing serious dental issues starts with noticing changes like loose teeth. Schedule a visit with your dentist to determine the cause and receive preventive treatment.
• Chipped Tooth: Protecting your teeth from chipping through preventive measures like wearing a mouthguard during sports can significantly reduce your risk of future dental problems.
• Dental Injury: Early detection of dental injuries, even minor ones, is crucial to prevent more serious complications like infections or nerve damage, safeguarding your long-term oral health.
• Grinding of Teeth: Teeth grinding puts excessive pressure on your jaw and teeth, potentially causing damage and pain; proactive management through stress reduction or mouthguards protects your oral health.
• Tooth Damage: Protecting your teeth from damage through preventive measures like wearing a mouthguard during sports or avoiding hard candies helps maintain your oral health and overall well-being.
• Halitosis: Managing halitosis through good oral hygiene is key to preventing the progression of gum disease and cavities, safeguarding your overall oral health.
• Receding Gums: Receding gums indicate a need for professional dental care to help prevent serious gum disease and the potential for costly treatments.
• Stained Teeth: Addressing tooth stains early can prevent further discoloration and improve your overall oral health, minimizing the need for more extensive treatments later.
• Toothache: Managing toothaches effectively through preventive dental care, including proper brushing and flossing, significantly reduces the risk of future dental issues.

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

• Amalgam Dental Fillings: By filling cavities with amalgam, we prevent the spread of decay and maintain the structural integrity of your teeth, safeguarding your long-term oral health.
• Cosmetic Procedure: Cosmetic dental work can address minor imperfections that might otherwise affect your self-esteem and lead to neglecting dental care.
• Dental Cleaning: A dental cleaning is a simple yet effective preventative measure to keep your mouth healthy, detecting any issues early and avoiding future complications.
• 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 Hygiene Services: Ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy with regular dental hygiene appointments, allowing for early detection of oral health problems that could impact your overall health.
• Dental Implant: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed to replace missing teeth, providing a strong, stable foundation for long-term oral health and preventing further tooth loss.
• Root Canal: Root canal treatment is a vital step in preventing the spread of infection from a severely damaged tooth to other areas of your mouth and body, promoting overall well-being.
• Teeth Whitening: Enhance your oral hygiene routine with teeth whitening, helping you maintain a healthy, attractive smile for years to come.
• Tooth-Conserving Dentistry: By prioritizing tooth-conserving dentistry, you're taking a proactive step to maintain your oral health, avoiding tooth loss and potential health complications.

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. Christopher 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 attending regular dental checkups and following a personalized preventive plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of tooth loss, ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles.
• By scheduling consistent dental checkups, a patient proactively addressed potential tooth malformations, reducing their risk of future oral health issues and maintaining a confident smile.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized preventative plan, a family was able to significantly reduce their risk of tooth decay, ensuring a healthy smile and overall well-being for years to come.

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. Christopher DMD:

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

At Dr. Christopher DMD, we recommend seeing a dentist and hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This is a crucial preventative step to remove tartar buildup, detect 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 professional cleanings 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?

Oral health is significantly connected to overall health, as chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is therefore essential for maintaining optimal body health.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Christopher DMD 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.

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. Christopher DMD to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and preventing more serious problems.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the modern gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots, which are then topped with a natural-looking crown. This helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding 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.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Christopher DMD can assess your oral health to determine if you are a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, for better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

Oakridge Dental Care
9590 SW Highway 200 Unit 7
Ocala FL 34481
Phone: (352) 520-2812

Dr. Christopher Bonesteel, 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): 1295029973

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. Christopher 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.