Dr. Efrain Plaza, DMD

Dr. Efrain Plaza, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Altamonte Springs, 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. He is committed to serving all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (407) 830-8613 to schedule. Dr. Plaza graduated Magna cum Laude from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine, Medical Science Campus, with his Doctorate of Dental Medicine. Since completing his formal education, he has continued his training in implant technology and Invisalign to provide the highest quality of care. His medical degree is from the University Of Puerto Rico School Of Dental Medicine, Medical Science Campus. His care philosophy is deeply rooted in a desire to improve patients' lives and instill confidence through optimal oral health. Dr. Plaza believes in providing the highest quality care possible, ensuring patient satisfaction. Dr. Efrain DMD offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• 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.
• Tooth Damage: Managing existing tooth damage, such as chips or fractures, minimizes the risk of infection, pain, and more extensive damage requiring extensive restorative work.
• Tooth Abrasion: Managing tooth abrasion effectively, often through lifestyle changes and professional dental care, helps maintain the health and longevity of your teeth, avoiding the need for more extensive dental work down the line.
• Loose Teeth: Don't ignore loose teeth – they indicate a problem that, if left untreated, can lead to infections, further tooth loss, and even impact your overall health.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease is a chronic condition, but regular dental visits and proper at-home care can help manage the disease and prevent its progression.
• Chipped Tooth: Addressing a chipped tooth promptly minimizes the chance of the chip worsening, possibly leading to a more complex and costly repair later on.
• Tooth Abscess: Catching and treating gum disease early is essential, as untreated gum disease is a major risk factor for developing a tooth abscess requiring potentially extensive dental treatment.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums, is a preventable condition; addressing it promptly safeguards your gums and supports overall well-being.
• Tooth Demineralization: Preventing tooth decay starts with understanding tooth demineralization—the process where your enamel weakens, increasing your risk of cavities; regular checkups and proper brushing help detect and reverse this.
• Tooth Loss: Tooth loss can be a sign of underlying gum disease or decay, so proactive dental care is crucial for prevention.
• 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 Attrition: Tooth attrition, or the wearing away of tooth enamel, can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, helping you maintain a healthy smile for life.

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

• Composite Fillings: For a healthier, more confident smile, consider composite fillings to repair damaged teeth and prevent more extensive dental work in the future.
• Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of your teeth by filling in chips, cracks, or discoloration, helping maintain a healthy and confident smile.
• Dental Bridge: Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge helps improve chewing function and prevents the remaining teeth from drifting out of alignment.
• Dental Crown: As part of proactive dental care, a crown can help restore a tooth after significant decay or trauma, reducing the risk of tooth loss and maintaining your overall oral health.
• Dental Inlays: Protecting your smile's longevity, dental inlays offer a durable solution to repair moderate tooth decay before it leads to more extensive procedures.
• Dental Onlay: For lasting oral health, a dental onlay acts as a durable repair, protecting a damaged tooth from further decay or fracture, helping you avoid more extensive and costly dental treatments.
• Denture Repair: Don't let broken dentures compromise your chewing and speaking abilities – repair ensures optimal oral function and overall quality of life.
• Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Non-surgical gum treatment offers a gentle yet effective way to address gum problems, preventing more invasive procedures and preserving your natural teeth.
• 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.

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. Efrain 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 checkups and following preventive dental care recommendations, a family proactively managed their oral health, significantly reducing their risk of experiencing painful toothaches. This proactive approach ensured a comfortable and healthy smile for years to come.
• By addressing minor chips and cracks early, a patient avoided the need for extensive dental work, ensuring a healthier, pain-free smile.
• By addressing potential tooth abrasion through a proactive dental plan, a patient successfully avoided costly future procedures and maintained a healthy, confident smile.

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. Efrain DMD:

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

At Dr. Efrain DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows our dental hygienists to remove tartar buildup that daily brushing can't, and helps us catch cavities early, 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 strongly 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 essential for maintaining optimal oral and overall body health.

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.

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, supporting a natural-looking crown. This method helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of adjacent teeth.

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. Efrain DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

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

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.

590 Palm Springs Dr
Altamonte Springs FL 32701
Phone: (407) 830-8613

Dr. Efrain Plaza, 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): 1821512781

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. Efrain 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.