Dr. Keri Shenker, DMD

Dr. Keri Shenker, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at Keri Shenker DMD PA in Plantation, 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. She serves all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (954) 289-0016 to schedule.

Dr. Keri, a native of South Florida, brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in Preventive Dental care to her practice. A graduate of the University of Florida and Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, she completed a year-long residency in Advanced Education of General Dentistry at Nova Southeastern University, further solidifying her expertise. Her commitment to excellence extends to staying abreast of the latest advancements in dental procedures and technology through active membership in the American and Florida Dental Associations. Dr. Shenker specializes in family and cosmetic dentistry, striving to develop long-lasting, trusting relationships with all her patients within a comfortable and friendly environment. With a state-of-the-art facility, she and her staff understand the importance of a beautiful, healthy smile and look forward to servicing all your family's dental needs. Dr. Keri DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Gingivitis: Managing gingivitis effectively, through professional cleaning and at-home care, reduces your risk of developing more severe gum disease.
• Tooth Decay: Catching tooth decay early through regular dental checkups can prevent painful cavities, fillings, and more extensive treatments down the line.
• Tooth Discoloration: Early intervention for tooth discoloration can help prevent the need for more extensive and costly treatments down the line, saving you both time and money.
• Broken Tooth: Addressing a broken tooth promptly minimizes the risk of infection spreading to other teeth or to your overall health, emphasizing the connection between oral and systemic well-being.
• Loose Teeth: Loose teeth are a warning sign that your oral health needs immediate attention; taking action now can preserve your natural teeth and overall wellbeing.
• 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.
• Tooth Abscess: Catching and treating gum disease early is essential, as untreated gum disease is a major risk factor for developing a tooth abscess requiring potentially extensive dental treatment.
• Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth can lead to increased sensitivity and pain if left untreated; regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and management.
• 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.
• Gum Disease: Managing gum disease effectively prevents tooth loss and other systemic health issues, highlighting the importance of early intervention and consistent oral care.
• Dental Disorders: Many dental disorders are preventable through proactive measures like brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, safeguarding your oral health for years to come.
• Grinding of Teeth: Unmanaged teeth grinding can result in cracked teeth, jaw pain, and even headaches; regular dental visits and potential use of a night guard can prevent these complications.

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. Keri 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.
• Composite Fillings: Composite fillings offer a safe and effective way to restore teeth damaged by decay, safeguarding your overall oral health and preventing complications.
• Dental Inlays: Dental inlays are a proactive way to restore damaged teeth and prevent further decay, preserving your natural tooth structure.
• Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Protect your gum health and overall well-being by scheduling a non-surgical gum treatment; it's a crucial step in early detection and management of gum disease.
• Porcelain Veneers: Take a proactive role in your oral health journey by considering porcelain veneers; they can mask imperfections and strengthen vulnerable teeth, preventing potential issues down the line.
• Root Planing: Root planing helps prevent gum disease by targeting and removing infection, effectively reducing inflammation and preserving your natural teeth for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
• Simple Tooth Extractions: Protecting your oral health starts with proactive steps like simple tooth extractions, which eliminate problematic teeth and improve your long-term oral health.
• Teeth Scaling: Teeth scaling is a professional cleaning that removes plaque and tartar buildup, helping prevent cavities and gum disease before they start.
• Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening can reveal underlying dental issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of more significant problems.

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. Keri 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 attending regular checkups and following a personalized at-home care plan, a patient successfully managed their gingivitis, keeping their gums healthy and preventing further complications. This proactive approach ensured a confident smile and overall well-being.
• By consistently attending regular dental checkups, a family discovered and addressed early signs of tooth decay, preventing the need for extensive dental work and ensuring a healthier, more confident smile for years to come.
• By addressing early signs of tooth discoloration, a patient was able to avoid more extensive and costly procedures, maintaining a confident and healthy smile.

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. Keri DMD:

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

At Dr. Keri DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows our dental team to remove tartar buildup that brushing alone 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 home care, plaque hardens into tartar, which 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 (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is therefore essential for maintaining optimal health throughout your body.

What is TMJ disorder?

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. Keri DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

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 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 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. Dr. Keri DMD is dedicated to providing comfortable and effective root canal therapy.

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.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

Keri Shenker DMD PA
201 N University Dr Ste 108
Plantation FL 33324
Phone: (954) 289-0016

Dr. Keri Shenker, 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): 1346242468

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. Keri 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.