Dr. Erick Rivera, DDS

Dr. Erick Rivera, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Sarasota, 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 an environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Erick DDS provides consultations primarily in English. Patients should call (941) 870-3322 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. He serves all ages.

As a dentistry practitioner in Sarasota, FL, Dr. Erick Rivera, DDS understands the profound connection between oral health and overall well-being. His approach emphasizes the importance of prevention, recognizing that proactive measures are essential to maintaining optimal oral health for life. He utilizes the latest advancements in preventive dentistry to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dr. Erick DDS believes that a strong partnership between patient and practitioner is key to achieving successful health outcomes. This collaborative approach ensures that patients are fully informed and actively involved in their care, fostering a sense of empowerment and control over their oral health journey.

Dr. Erick DDS is a dedicated provider, deeply committed to preventive care. He prioritizes comprehensive care, recognizing the vital link between oral health and overall wellness. His practice is focused on empowering patients of all ages to take control of their oral health, ultimately contributing to their well-being. By proactively addressing potential issues, Dr. Erick DDS helps prevent more significant problems down the line. He encourages patients to be active participants in their health journey and provides the necessary tools and information to foster long-term oral health success.

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

• Teething: Teething, while a normal part of baby development, requires careful monitoring to prevent potential gum irritation and infections, ensuring your child's healthy smile from the start.
• Gingival Fibromatosis - Unusual Facies - Cafe-Au-Lait Pigmentation - Congenital Skin Telangiectases: The presence of gingival fibromatosis along with other symptoms like unusual facial features or skin changes highlights the importance of proactive healthcare to minimize potential oral and systemic health risks.
• Craniofrontonasal Syndrome, Teebi Type: Children with Craniofrontonasal syndrome, Teebi type, benefit from regular dental check-ups and tailored preventative care to address potential structural challenges and prevent secondary infections.
• Tooth Decay Caused by Acid Attack: Managing acid exposure through a healthy diet and good oral hygiene significantly reduces your risk of developing cavities and other oral health problems.
• Narrow Oral Fissure - Short Stature - Cone - Shaped Epiphyses: Identifying narrow oral fissures, alongside other features like short stature and cone-shaped epiphyses, may necessitate a multidisciplinary approach to address potential systemic health concerns, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive preventive care.
• Tooth Discoloration (Resistant to Whitening): Early detection of stubborn tooth discoloration can help identify potential problems, such as internal staining or damage, before they worsen and impact your overall oral health.
• Bad Taste in Mouth: A bad taste in your mouth can be a warning sign of poor oral hygiene or underlying health issues, making regular checkups crucial for early detection and prevention.

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

• Orthodontic Treatment, Adult: Enhance your smile and improve your oral health with adult orthodontic treatment; it not only improves the aesthetics but also enhances oral hygiene, reducing the risk of various oral diseases.
• LumiSmile™ White: As part of your commitment to preventative oral health, LumiSmile™ White offers a simple way to improve the aesthetics of your teeth, contributing to a healthier smile.
• The Wand® Single Tooth Anesthesia System (STA): Invest in your well-being by opting for The Wand® during your next dental visit. This pain-free anesthesia system encourages regular checkups, which are crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Fluoride Varnish: Fluoride varnish is a protective coating applied to your teeth to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities, safeguarding your smile for years to come.
• Snap-On-Smile®: If you're looking for a non-invasive way to improve your smile's appearance without altering your natural teeth, Snap-On-Smile® is worth exploring.
• Maxillofacial Surgery: Maxillofacial surgery helps ensure optimal oral function and appearance by addressing structural issues that could lead to future complications.
• Ceramic Dental Crowns: Protect your smile and strengthen your teeth with a ceramic crown, a proactive step to prevent further damage and maintain strong, 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. Erick 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:

• A family proactively addressed potential teething discomfort by scheduling regular checkups, learning about proper oral hygiene, and receiving expert advice on managing their baby's developing teeth. This proactive approach ensured a smooth and healthy teething experience for their child.
• By proactively managing their oral health through regular checkups, a patient was able to identify and address potential risks associated with gingival fibromatosis, improving their overall well-being and peace of mind.
• By adhering to a proactive dental care plan, a family with a child diagnosed with Craniofrontonasal syndrome, Teebi type, experienced reduced risk of dental issues and gained peace of mind, enabling them to focus on their child's overall well-being.

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. Erick DDS:

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

Dr. Erick DDS recommends visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps remove tartar buildup, detects cavities early, and screens for gum disease and oral cancer. It's a crucial preventive step for a healthy smile.

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 like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is crucial for maintaining optimal body health and reducing these risks.

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, preventing cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the 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. Erick 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, that provide better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

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.

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

1058 N Tamiami Trl Ste 106
Sarasota FL 34236
Phone: (941) 870-3322

Dr. Erick Rivera, 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): 1508603705

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. Erick 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.