Dr. Elba Franco, DDS

Dr. Elba Franco, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care at her clinic in Miami, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to partnering with patients of all ages to build lifelong oral 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. Please call (305) 642-7704 to confirm if Dr. Elba DDS is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Elba Franco, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Miami, FL with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida in 2006. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in Preventive Dental care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Elba DDS is deeply committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She strives to provide the best possible care, though consultations are primarily in English.

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

• Clefting - Ectropion - Conical Teeth: While not directly preventable, managing conditions like clefting, ectropion, and conical teeth through early intervention can significantly reduce associated risks and improve overall oral and systemic health.
• Van der Woude Syndrome: Children with Van der Woude syndrome benefit from proactive dental check-ups to mitigate potential challenges associated with the condition, preventing secondary oral health problems.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Managing herpes simplex infections helps prevent frequent or severe outbreaks, protecting your overall health and reducing the risk of eye or other systemic complications.
• Jaw Cyst: Managing a jaw cyst effectively prevents more serious problems like jawbone weakening and facial deformities, emphasizing the need for prompt dental care.
• 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.
• Unequal Jaw Growth: Mismatched jaw growth may affect your bite and increase your risk of developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for preventative care.
• Tooth Loss: Managing existing dental problems like gum disease and cavities promptly can help you maintain your natural teeth and avoid the need for tooth replacements.

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

• Tooth-Borne Denture: By distributing pressure evenly across your remaining teeth and gums, a tooth-borne denture helps prevent further damage and discomfort from missing teeth.
• Dentofacial Anomalies: Prevent potential problems with jaw growth and bite alignment by proactively seeking evaluation and treatment for dentofacial anomalies.
• Dental Examination: A dental examination is a proactive check-up that helps detect cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing more serious issues.
• Pocket Depth Measurement: Regular pocket depth measurements are a simple way to monitor your gum health and help your dentist catch gum disease early, allowing for timely treatment and better long-term oral health.
• Dental Infection Treatment: Taking care of a dental infection promptly can safeguard you from potential complications like gum disease and jawbone damage.
• Opalescence® Tooth Whitening System: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with Opalescence® teeth whitening; a brighter smile can be a sign of a healthier mouth.
• Dental Brace and Headgear: Dental braces and headgear help straighten teeth and improve your bite, preventing future dental problems and promoting a healthy 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. Elba 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 proactively managing potential risks associated with clefting, ectropion, and conical teeth, a family gained valuable peace of mind, knowing they were taking steps to improve their child's long-term oral and systemic health.
• By adhering to a proactive dental care plan, a family with a child diagnosed with Van der Woude syndrome experienced early detection of potential oral health issues, significantly reducing the risk of future problems and promoting peace of mind.
• By understanding their risk factors and following a proactive oral health plan, a patient significantly reduced the frequency and severity of herpes simplex outbreaks, leading to a greater sense of well-being.

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. Elba DDS:

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

At Dr. Elba DDS, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows us to remove tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, detect cavities early, and screen 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, which only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, more importantly, gum disease, which has been linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is deeply connected to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or 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 crucial for maintaining optimal oral and overall 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. Dr. Elba DDS is skilled in performing root canals comfortably and effectively.

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 to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

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 adjacent teeth.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Elba 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, for better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up at Dr. Elba DDS. We will visually inspect your lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

2260 SW 8th St Ste 201
Miami FL 33135
Phone: (305) 642-7704

Dr. Elba Franco, 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): 1013018191

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. Elba 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.