Dr. Gary Scarlett, DMD

Dr. Gary Scarlett, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at Dental Care at Treaty Oaks in St Augustine, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to 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. Gary DMD serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Call (386) 320-5820 to schedule your appointment.

As a dentistry practitioner in St Augustine, FL, Dr. Gary Scarlett, DMD is dedicated to the prevention of oral health issues. He approaches his practice with a focus on creating personalized care plans, and provides the necessary screenings to maintain optimal oral and systemic health. His practice prioritizes preventative care and is designed to help patients understand and implement effective strategies for long-term health. Dr. Gary DMD understands the importance of proactively addressing potential oral health concerns, and is committed to working collaboratively with patients to achieve their individual health goals. He is accepting new patients and provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Tender Gums: Noticeable gum tenderness? Don't ignore it – early intervention is crucial for maintaining healthy gums and preventing infection.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease, easily treatable with good oral hygiene, preventing it from progressing to more serious problems.
• Tooth Loss: Preventing tooth loss starts with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene to catch problems early and avoid major issues down the line.
• Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: A clicking sound in your jaw joint could be an early sign of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, and addressing it early can prevent more serious problems like pain and jaw limitations.
• Receding Gums: Manage receding gums proactively to avoid further gum disease progression, preserving your natural teeth and reducing the risk of complications.
• Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess indicates a serious infection needing immediate dental attention; proactive preventive dental care minimizes the risk of reaching this stage.
• Dental Injury: Early detection of dental injuries, even minor ones, is crucial to prevent more serious complications like infections or nerve damage, safeguarding your long-term oral health.
• Tooth Discoloration: Managing tooth discoloration through proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups helps maintain a healthy smile and prevent further aesthetic and dental 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.
• Canker Sore: Though often benign, recurring or unusually severe canker sores warrant a dental checkup to rule out any underlying oral health problems and prevent complications.
• Dental Trauma: Preventing dental trauma through protective measures like mouthguards during sports can significantly reduce the risk of serious oral health issues and costly treatments.
• Toothache: Experiencing a toothache? This underscores the importance of consistent oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits to minimize the risk and manage the impact of oral health problems.

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

• Amalgam Dental Fillings: Amalgam fillings are a long-lasting solution to repair cavities, actively working to prevent further damage and maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
• Cosmetic Procedure: While primarily aesthetic, cosmetic dentistry can sometimes uncover underlying dental issues during the process, leading to early intervention.
• Dental Cleaning: Regular dental cleanings are a proactive step towards maintaining healthy gums and teeth, catching potential problems early.
• Dental Crown: A dental crown is a restorative procedure that protects a weakened or damaged tooth, serving as a proactive measure to prevent further complications and support long-term oral health.
• Dental Hygiene Services: Protect your oral health and overall well-being with professional dental hygiene services, which help identify potential issues early and prevent more serious problems.
• Dental Implant: Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant prevents the shifting of adjacent teeth and maintains the proper alignment of your bite.
• 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.
• Teeth Whitening: Brighten your smile and boost your confidence with teeth whitening, a simple step towards maintaining overall oral health.
• Tooth-Conserving Dentistry: Tooth-conserving dentistry focuses on preserving your natural teeth through early detection and treatment of dental problems, preventing the need for more extensive procedures later.

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 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:

• Recognizing early signs of gum tenderness and following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing gum disease, maintaining a healthy, confident smile.
• A patient, recognizing the importance of early gingivitis detection, proactively implemented a personalized oral hygiene routine, significantly reducing their risk of developing more advanced gum disease. This proactive approach ensured a healthy smile and peace of mind.
• By diligently attending regular checkups and practicing excellent oral hygiene, a patient significantly reduced their risk of tooth loss, ensuring a healthy and 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. Gary DMD:

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

For most people, regular checkups and cleanings every six months are crucial. This allows our dentists and hygienists to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, detect cavities early, and 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 intrinsically linked 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 is crucial for maintaining optimal body health.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Gary DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up. Dr. Gary will visually inspect the lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities, as early detection is key to successful treatment.

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 your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

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 seals out food and plaque, preventing 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's not a painful procedure, but rather a way to save your tooth.

Dental Care at Treaty Oaks
50 Fulkerson Way
St Augustine FL 32086
Phone: (386) 320-5820

Dr. Gary Scarlett, 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): 1023237989

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 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.