Dr. Lourdes Rivera-Colon, DMD

Dr. Lourdes Rivera-Colon, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her 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. She is dedicated to providing care for all ages.

Dr. Lourdes Rivera-Colon, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Saint Petersburg, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. This includes creating personalized plans tailored to each individual's needs and risk factors. This approach ensures that preventative measures are not just discussed, but actively implemented and maintained. Patients should call (727) 341-0825 to confirm if Dr. Lourdes DMD is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Lourdes DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Receded Upper Jaw: Noticeable gum recession in your upper jaw may signify a need for improved oral hygiene practices and professional intervention to avoid potential complications and preserve your teeth's health and functionality.
• Tooth Abrasion: Early detection of tooth abrasion allows for timely intervention, such as adjusting brushing techniques or using fluoride treatments, minimizing further enamel loss and preventing future problems.
• Carcinoma Tongue: Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help identify potential signs of tongue cancer early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing its progression.
• Clefting - Ectropion - Conical Teeth: While not directly preventable, managing conditions like clefting, ectropion, and conical teeth through early intervention can significantly reduce associated risks and improve overall oral and systemic health.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type III: Because Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type III, weakens tooth structure, proactive dental care, including preventative treatments, is essential to minimize the risk of tooth fracture and infection.
• Receded Lower Jaw: A receding lower jaw can be a sign of underlying gum disease or bone loss, highlighting the importance of regular dental check-ups for early intervention and management.
• Tartar Buildup: Preventing tartar buildup helps maintain healthy gums and prevents cavities by stopping the progression of plaque, which hardens into tartar.

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

• Arestin® Therapy: Protect your smile and overall health with Arestin® Therapy, a non-surgical approach to combat gum disease and maintain healthy gums.
• Preseason Dental Exam: Don't wait for a problem to arise—schedule a preseason dental exam to screen for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues, ensuring a healthy, confident smile.
• Non-Extraction Treatment (for Dental Crowding): Prevent future dental problems and improve your smile's appearance by considering non-extraction treatment for crowded teeth.
• Orthodontic Aligners: Straightening your teeth with aligners improves oral hygiene, potentially reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease, and contributing to better overall health.
• Facebow Headgear: By using a facebow, your dentist can improve the accuracy of your bite registration for dentures or implants, leading to a more comfortable and functional fit.
• Amalgam Filling Removal: Replacing an old amalgam filling is a preventative measure that protects against further tooth decay and potential complications, safeguarding your overall oral health.
• Limited Gum Surgery: Take a proactive step towards better gum health with limited gum surgery; it's a minimally invasive procedure that can often prevent more serious issues.

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. Lourdes 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 diligently following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully maintained healthy gums and prevented noticeable gum recession in their upper jaw, fostering a confident smile and long-term oral health.
• By scheduling regular checkups and learning proper brushing techniques, a patient successfully prevented further tooth abrasion, maintaining a healthy and confident smile.
• By diligently attending regular dental checkups and maintaining meticulous oral hygiene, a patient was able to identify potential issues early, significantly reducing their risk of developing carcinoma tongue. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in their overall 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. Lourdes DMD:

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

Dr. Lourdes DMD recommends seeing a dentist and dental hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This is a crucial preventive step to remove tartar buildup, catch 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 gum disease, which can be linked to other health problems.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intricately linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular preventive dental care is essential for overall 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. Lourdes DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard, to prevent damage from grinding.

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

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

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to enhance their appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are caps that cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after damage or decay.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Lourdes 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 proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home for future care.

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 tooth extraction.

5718 5th Ave N
Saint Petersburg FL 33710
Phone: (727) 341-0825

Dr. Lourdes Rivera-Colon, 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): 1427177096

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. Lourdes 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.