Dr. Karla Platzer, DDS

Dr. Karla Platzer, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Plantation, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her commitment to preventative dentistry extends beyond the teeth, recognizing the crucial link between oral and systemic 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. Dr. Karla DDS is committed to evidence-based medicine, fostering a collaborative environment that empowers all ages to take an active role in their oral health journey. She strives to build a supportive relationship with each patient, encouraging proactive measures for optimal long-term well-being. Please call (954) 637-7173 to confirm if Dr. Karla DDS is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Karla Platzer, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Plantation, FL, dedicated to providing consultations primarily in English. Her approach emphasizes a collaborative, patient-centered model, focusing on creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She recognizes the importance of preventative care in maintaining optimal oral and systemic health, and is committed to providing personalized plans and coordinating screenings to address the unique needs of each patient.

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

• Dental Tissue Neoplasm: Early detection of dental tissue neoplasms during routine dental exams can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce the long-term health risks associated with these growths.
• Cavity: Addressing cavities promptly prevents infections, toothaches, and the potential need for extensive and costly dental procedures.
• Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Experiencing clicking in your jaw? This could indicate TMJ issues; seeking professional evaluation helps prevent long-term jaw pain and dysfunction.
• Black Hairy Tongue: Black hairy tongue, while usually harmless, can signal poor oral hygiene and early detection helps prevent further complications like bad breath or infection.
• 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.
• Malocclusion - Short Stature Syndrome: Addressing malocclusion associated with short stature syndrome through orthodontic treatment can improve chewing, speaking, and overall oral health, preventing long-term issues.
• Malocclusion (Bad Bite): Early detection of malocclusion is key to preventing more serious dental issues; correcting a bad bite can help maintain long-term oral and overall health.

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

• Sulcular Debridement: Taking a proactive approach to oral health, sulcular debridement helps identify and remove plaque and bacteria from the sulcus, the space between your gums and teeth, minimizing your chances of developing cavities or gum disease.
• Dental Laser Procedure: Invest in your long-term oral health with a dental laser procedure. It provides a precise approach to treating gum disease, cavities, and other oral health concerns, minimizing discomfort and downtime.
• Smile Makeovers: Enhance your smile and improve your overall health with a smile makeover; this comprehensive assessment helps detect and address issues before they become significant.
• Bite Plate: By evenly distributing bite pressure, a bite plate helps prevent damage to teeth and jaw joints, a key preventative measure for oral health.
• Dental Cleaning: Invest in your well-being with routine dental cleanings; they're essential for preventing serious oral health issues and promoting good systemic health.
• Orthognathic Surgery: Proactively addressing jaw irregularities through orthognathic surgery can improve breathing, sleep quality, and facial symmetry, contributing to better overall well-being.
• Porcelain Fixed Bridges: Porcelain fixed bridges offer a strong and aesthetically pleasing way to replace missing teeth, protecting your remaining teeth from added stress and potential damage.

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. Karla 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 attending regular dental checkups, a patient was able to detect a dental tissue neoplasm early, significantly improving their treatment options and reducing long-term health risks. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in their oral health.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of cavities, ensuring a healthier smile and preventing future dental expenses.
• Recognizing the early signs of TMJ clicking, a patient proactively addressed potential issues, reducing the risk of future jaw pain and dysfunction through a tailored preventive plan. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and empowered them to maintain optimal oral health.

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. Karla DDS:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Karla and our dental hygienist every six months is recommended. This crucial preventive step removes tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, helps catch cavities early, and screens 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 has been linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Dr. Karla DDS's practice emphasizes the crucial oral-systemic link. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining overall body health.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Karla DDS recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for ensuring healthy tooth development and establishing a positive dental home for future care.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Karla DDS can help with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. For some patients, a custom-fitted oral appliance worn at night can effectively keep the airway open, providing a comfortable alternative to CPAP. We'll discuss if this treatment option is right for you during your consultation.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Karla DDS can assess your oral health to ensure you are 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.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

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're a powerful preventive tool, mainly for children and teens, that helps seal out food and plaque, preventing cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

11941 W Sunrise Blvd
Plantation FL 33323
Phone: (954) 637-7173

Dr. Karla Platzer, 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): 1568195055

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. Karla 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.