Dr. Gary Kodish, DDS

Dr. Gary Kodish, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his Fort Lauderdale, FL clinic, adhering to the highest standards of the Florida Board of Medicine and 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 registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (954) 462-5252 to schedule.

Dr. Gary Kodish, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He is accepting new patients. He earned his medical degree from Emory Dental School and is deeply committed to providing the best possible dental care. His Fort Lauderdale dental office believes in empowering patients with complete information about their oral health, emphasizing a "full care" dentistry approach. This means recommending the necessary treatment to optimize oral health and developing a comprehensive prevention plan for the future. This level of care is the same commitment we would offer a family member. The ultimate goal is to ensure that patients only need routine cleanings to maintain optimal oral health. Dr. Gary DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Cavity: Maintaining good oral hygiene significantly reduces your risk of developing cavities, protecting your smile and contributing to your overall well-being.
• Grinding of Teeth: Protecting your teeth from the damage caused by teeth grinding is vital for preventing costly and painful dental work down the line; talking to your dentist is the first step.
• Gum Disease: Protecting your gums from disease involves practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings to reduce your risk of gum problems.
• Tooth Decay: Managing your risk factors for tooth decay, such as diet and frequency of sugar consumption, significantly lowers your chance of developing cavities.
• Toothache: Ignoring a toothache can lead to more serious problems like gum disease or the need for extensive dental work, emphasizing the value of prompt treatment.
• Limited Tooth Movement: Preventing further tooth loss and jawbone damage requires addressing limited tooth movement promptly, as it often indicates compromised periodontal support.
• Dental Crowding: Preventing future dental problems starts with early detection of crowded teeth; orthodontic intervention can help avoid more complex and costly procedures later.

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

• Dental Implant: Securing a dental implant helps prevent jawbone deterioration and improves chewing and speaking capabilities, contributing to overall quality of life.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: Invest in implant-supported dentures for a secure, comfortable, and long-lasting solution to missing teeth, improving your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
• Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy: Invest in your long-term oral health by exploring Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy; it's a modern approach to gum disease management, helping you keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.
• Root Canal: Protecting your overall oral health, a root canal treatment addresses severe tooth decay or injury, relieving pain and preventing the need for an extraction.
• Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a simple, effective way to address minor cosmetic flaws and protect your teeth, helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile as part of your overall health routine.
• Desensitizing Therapy (Dental): Take proactive steps towards a healthier smile by addressing tooth sensitivity with desensitizing therapy, ensuring you can enjoy all your favorite foods and drinks.
• Invisible Dental Braces: Protect your smile and overall well-being by addressing misaligned teeth with invisible braces, which can help prevent jaw pain and improve chewing efficiency.

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. Gary 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 diligently practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular checkups, a patient successfully maintained a healthy smile, significantly reducing their risk of cavities and ensuring long-term oral well-being.
• By addressing teeth grinding concerns early through regular dental checkups, a patient avoided the need for extensive restorative work, ensuring a healthy smile for years to come.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully maintained healthy gums and avoided the need for more extensive treatment. This proactive approach ensured long-term oral health and peace of mind.

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. Gary DDS:

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

At Dr. Gary DDS, we recommend seeing a dentist and hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps prevent tartar buildup, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with meticulous 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 can affect overall health, including the heart.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is deeply connected 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 health and, consequently, overall body health.

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 (molars). 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 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 is not a painful procedure.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Gary DDS can assess your oral health, recommend the best whitening option for you, and provide professional-grade treatments that are safer and more effective than over-the-counter products.

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 approach prevents bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding teeth.

Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays use extremely low levels of radiation and are very safe. They allow Dr. Gary DDS to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

301 SE 16th St
Fort Lauderdale FL 33316
Phone: (954) 462-5252

Dr. Gary Kodish, 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): 1487776712

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. Gary 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.