Dr. Eric Garcia, DMD

Dr. Eric Garcia, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Winter Haven, 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 collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Eric Garcia, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Winter Haven, FL, serving all ages. Please call (863) 294-4780 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Eric DMD offers consultations in Arabic.

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

• Gum Cancer: Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including thorough brushing and flossing, minimizes the risk factors associated with the development of gum cancer.
• Lip Cancer: Addressing risk factors like excessive sun exposure and tobacco use lowers the likelihood of developing lip cancer, preserving your oral and overall health.
• Tooth Malformation: Early detection of tooth malformation is key to preventing complications like misaligned bites, difficulty chewing, and potential speech impediments, emphasizing the role of preventive dentistry.
• Clefting - Ectropion - Conical Teeth: Early identification of clefting, ectropion, and conical teeth is crucial, as these conditions can sometimes indicate underlying genetic factors requiring management to prevent future health problems.
• 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.
• Craniosynostosis - Arthrogryposis - Cleft Palate: Preventative care is vital for children with craniosynostosis, arthrogryposis, and cleft palate; proactive management minimizes the risk of infections and malocclusion which can impact lifelong oral health.
• Gummy Smile (Oversized Gingiva): A gummy smile, where too much gum tissue is visible when you smile, might seem cosmetic, but early evaluation can prevent potential gum issues down the line.

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

• Lumineers®: Lumineers offer a minimally invasive way to address cosmetic concerns like discoloration, chips, or gaps, safeguarding your teeth from more extensive procedures.
• Preparation for Alveolar Cleft Repair: Pre-surgical preparation for alveolar cleft repair involves a thorough evaluation of your oral health to ensure you are ready for this important corrective surgery.
• Six Month Smiles: Six Month Smiles offers a faster path to a straighter smile, improving the alignment of your front teeth to reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Dental Onlay: To proactively maintain strong teeth, a dental onlay can be used to repair a significantly damaged tooth surface, preventing further decay and preserving your natural tooth structure.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Recording: Maintaining optimal bite and jaw function is key to overall wellness. A TMJ recording allows your dentist to proactively screen for and address temporomandibular joint disorders that could lead to pain and discomfort.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation: By reducing anxiety with nitrous oxide sedation, you can proactively address any potential oral health issues during your regular checkups, preventing future problems.
• Wilckodontics® Dental Braces: Investing in Wilckodontics® Dental Braces is an investment in your long-term oral health, improving your teeth's alignment for easier cleaning and better overall 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. Eric 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 diligently practicing good oral hygiene, a patient significantly reduced their risk of gum cancer, gaining peace of mind about their oral health.
• By understanding and managing sun exposure and tobacco use, a patient significantly lowered their risk of lip cancer, gaining peace of mind about their oral and overall health.
• By attending regular checkups and following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a young child avoided potential issues with misaligned teeth, ensuring a healthy, confident smile 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. Eric DMD:

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

At Dr. Eric DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows our dental hygienists to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, and helps us catch cavities early. Regular check-ups also screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent home care, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, importantly, gum disease, which is linked to other health problems.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

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

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. Eric 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 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 approach helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding teeth.

What is a root canal and why is it needed?

A root canal is a treatment to save a badly infected or damaged tooth. It involves removing the inflamed pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. This procedure relieves pain and prevents the need for tooth extraction. It's not a painful procedure, but a way to save your natural tooth.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, receding gums exposing tooth roots, or tiny cracks in the teeth. A proper diagnosis by Dr. Eric DMD is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seal out food and plaque to help prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

737 W Central Ave
Winter Haven FL 33880
Phone: (863) 294-4780

Dr. Eric Garcia, 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): 1952566341

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. Eric 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.