Dr. Dennis Apfel, DDS

Dr. Dennis Apfel, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at his clinic in Winter Park, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to 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. He serves all ages and is dedicated to 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.

As a dentistry practitioner in Winter Park, FL, Dr. Dennis Apfel, DDS understands the vital link between oral and systemic health. His practice focuses on the crucial role of prevention, emphasizing personalized strategies to maintain optimal oral hygiene and overall well-being. He is committed to providing comprehensive care, coordinating necessary screenings and working closely with patients to develop personalized plans that address their unique needs. To confirm if Dr. Dennis DDS is currently accepting new patients, please call (407) 644-7703. Dr. Dennis DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Dennis 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. Dennis 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. Dennis 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: By understanding the risk factors for tooth abrasion, like aggressive brushing or teeth grinding, you can take proactive steps to protect your enamel, reducing the chances of needing restorative treatments later on.
• Pericoronitis: Managing pericoronitis promptly, often with professional cleaning and sometimes antibiotics, is crucial to prevent the spread of infection and potential damage to surrounding teeth and tissues.
• Cleft Lip: A cleft lip is a birth defect that can be identified early through prenatal screening and regular checkups, enabling timely intervention and minimizing long-term complications.
• Example Condition One for dentistry_us: Early detection of cavities through preventative dental care means less invasive procedures and healthier teeth in the long run.
• Tooth Pulp Inflammation: Managing tooth pulp inflammation early can prevent the infection from spreading, potentially saving your tooth and avoiding the need for a root canal or extraction.
• Tongue-Tie: A tongue-tie can hinder your ability to keep your mouth clean, increasing your risk for developing various oral health problems; early intervention is key to preventing these complications.
• Malocclusion (Bad Bite): Preventing future dental problems starts with identifying a bad bite early on; malocclusion can lead to uneven wear, jaw pain, and difficulty cleaning teeth effectively.

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

• Pre-Operative Examination for Dental Surgery: This checkup screens for potential oral health problems that could affect your planned dental surgery, leading to safer and more effective treatment.
• Limited Gum Surgery: Take a proactive step towards better gum health with limited gum surgery; it's a minimally invasive procedure that can often prevent more serious issues.
• Bracket Braces: Taking proactive steps towards a healthier smile, bracket braces help correct misaligned teeth, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Preparation for Alveolar Cleft Repair: Alveolar cleft repair preparation includes assessments and consultations to plan the surgical correction of a cleft in the jawbone, optimizing your chances of a successful procedure and healthy healing.
• Spacers for Braces: By using spacers, you're proactively making room for your braces, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable orthodontic experience.
• Pulpotomy: A pulpotomy is a procedure that helps save a child's tooth by removing the infected or inflamed pulp, preventing the need for a full extraction and preserving the natural tooth.
• MDI Mini Dental Implant: MDI Mini Dental Implants offer a minimally invasive solution for stabilizing dentures, improving your quality of life and enhancing your smile.

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. Dennis 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 aggressive brushing, a patient proactively adjusted their oral hygiene routine, preventing further tooth abrasion and preserving their healthy smile. This proactive approach gave them peace of mind knowing their teeth were protected for years to come.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a patient avoided the discomfort and potential complications of pericoronitis, ensuring a healthy smile and overall well-being.
• By attending regular prenatal checkups and screenings, a family gained early knowledge of a potential cleft lip, enabling them to proactively plan for the necessary support and interventions, minimizing any future challenges.

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. Dennis DDS:

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

At Dr. Dennis DDS, we recommend seeing a dentist and hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This helps prevent tartar buildup, catches cavities early, and screens 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 such as heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is profoundly connected to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is therefore essential for maintaining optimal 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. Dennis DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Dennis DDS can help some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. We can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep your airway open while you sleep, offering a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.

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. Dennis DDS to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better treatment outcomes.

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. It's a common and effective way to preserve your smile.

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.

185 N Lakemont Ave
Winter Park FL 32792
Phone: (407) 644-7703

Dr. Dennis Apfel, 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): 1295807212

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. Dennis 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.