Dr. Laura Santos, DDS

Dr. Laura Santos, 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 Dental Care at College Station in Kissimmee, 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 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. Laura DDS serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (407) 593-3946 to schedule.

Dr. Laura Santos, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Kissimmee, FL, specializing in preventive dentistry. Her focus on prevention extends beyond the confines of the mouth, encompassing the entire patient experience. She understands that oral health is intrinsically linked to overall well-being, and her personalized approach prioritizes the prevention of cavities and gum disease through tailored strategies. She coordinates necessary screenings and manages overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. Dr. Laura DDS is accepting new patients. While Dr. Laura DDS's primary consultation language is English, she is committed to providing exceptional care to all patients.

Dr. Laura DDS is committed to creating a positive and proactive dental care experience for all her patients. She believes in the power of prevention and empowers patients to take an active role in their oral health journey. Her practice is designed to provide a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and actively participating in their care. She is available to welcome new patients to her practice in Kissimmee, FL, and encourages those seeking preventive dental care to contact her office at (407) 593-3946.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Laura 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. Laura 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. Laura 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 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.
• Gum Disease: Managing gum disease effectively prevents tooth loss and other systemic health issues, highlighting the importance of early intervention and consistent oral care.
• Tooth Malformation: Addressing tooth malformation proactively through dental interventions can prevent future issues such as increased susceptibility to decay, gum disease, and jaw pain, underscoring the importance of managing risk factors.
• Loose Teeth: Loose teeth can be a sign of underlying gum disease or bone loss, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and preventive treatment.
• 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.
• Tooth Loss: Managing existing dental problems like gum disease and cavities promptly can help you maintain your natural teeth and avoid the need for tooth replacements.
• Chipped Tooth: Catching a chipped tooth early helps prevent more serious problems like tooth decay, infection, or the need for extensive restorative work, saving you time and money.
• Dental Disorders: Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing many dental disorders, significantly reducing your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other complications.
• Stained Teeth: Addressing tooth stains early can prevent further discoloration and improve your overall oral health, minimizing the need for more extensive treatments later.
• Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Catching clicking in your jaw joint early can help avoid severe TMJ problems; schedule an appointment with your dentist to assess and manage it.
• 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.
• Toothache: Managing toothaches effectively through preventive dental care, including proper brushing and flossing, significantly reduces the risk of future dental issues.

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. Laura DDS 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: As a proactive step in maintaining your oral health, amalgam fillings help restore damaged teeth and prevent future complications like tooth loss.
• Cosmetic Procedure: Improving your smile's appearance through cosmetic procedures can motivate you to maintain better oral hygiene, preventing future problems.
• Dental Cleaning: Protect your smile and overall health with professional dental cleanings, which screen for early signs of gum disease and cavities.
• 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: Take proactive steps toward a healthier smile by scheduling regular dental hygiene services to detect and prevent cavities and gum disease.
• Dental Implant: A dental implant offers a permanent solution to missing teeth, improving your confidence, enhancing your smile, and helping to prevent future dental problems.
• Root Canal: Root canal treatment is a vital step in preventing the spread of infection from a severely damaged tooth to other areas of your mouth and body, promoting overall well-being.
• Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening can reveal underlying dental issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of more significant problems.
• Tooth-Conserving Dentistry: This approach involves careful examinations and minimally invasive treatments to identify and address cavities, gum disease, and other issues before they worsen, saving your 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. Laura 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 checkups and following preventive recommendations, a family was able to identify and address a minor chip in a tooth early, avoiding the need for more extensive and costly procedures. This proactive approach ensured their long-term oral health and peace of mind.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized oral care plan, a patient successfully managed their gum disease, preventing tooth loss and maintaining excellent overall oral health. This proactive approach gave them the peace of mind to enjoy a healthy smile and confident lifestyle.
• By addressing potential tooth malformation early through preventative dental care, a family achieved a significant reduction in their risk of future dental problems and gained 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. 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. Laura DDS:

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

At Dr. Laura DDS, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows our 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 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 has been linked to various health problems, including heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. 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 body health.

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.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Laura DDS can assess your oral health to determine if you are a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, for better and safer results 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 helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding teeth.

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. Laura DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

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.

Dental Care at College Station
3375 Pleasant Hill Rd
Kissimmee FL 34746
Phone: (407) 593-3946

Dr. Laura Santos, 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): 1154040475

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. Laura 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.