Dr. Maria Mezcua, DDS

Dr. Maria Mezcua, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she provides general preventive dentistry services at her clinic in Pembroke Pines, FL. Her focus on prevention extends far beyond simply addressing existing issues; she 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 a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Maria DDS is currently welcoming new patients of all ages to begin their proactive health journey; please call (954) 432-4101 to schedule.

Dr. Maria Mezcua, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Pembroke Pines, FL. She is accepting new patients. Her practice prioritizes the prevention of dental problems, recognizing that proactive care is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health and overall well-being. This comprehensive approach extends beyond the immediate concerns of cavities and gum disease to include the coordination of screenings and the management of your total health. Dr. Maria DDS is committed to creating a supportive environment where you feel comfortable asking questions, participating in your care, and taking an active role in your long-term oral health. She is committed to evidence-based medicine and will work with you to develop a customized plan tailored to your specific needs. Dr. Maria DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Cherubism: Cherubism is a rare genetic condition that causes swelling of the jawbones, and early diagnosis helps manage potential complications like difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing.
• Oral Motor Problems: Preventing long-term problems associated with oral motor difficulties, such as malnutrition or speech impediments, requires early evaluation and treatment from your dentist.
• Lichen Planus: Lichen planus is a skin and mouth condition that, while usually not life-threatening, can cause significant discomfort; preventing complications requires diligent oral hygiene and regular professional checkups.
• Compulsive Cheek Biting: To prevent future dental issues, addressing compulsive cheek biting is crucial as this habit can lead to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and recurring infections in your mouth.
• Gingival Fibromatosis - Unusual Facies - Cafe-Au-Lait Pigmentation - Congenital Skin Telangiectases: If you have gingival fibromatosis or notice unusual facial features, skin discoloration, or telangiectases, seeking professional medical and dental care can help prevent further health issues.
• Vincent's Disease: Vincent's disease, or acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG), is a severe gum infection that can be prevented with diligent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, allowing for early detection and treatment before it worsens.
• Odontogenic Lesions: Odontogenic lesions are abnormal growths or changes in the mouth's tissues that can sometimes signal bigger problems, so regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and prevention.

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

• Desensitizing Therapy (Dental): Desensitizing therapy helps make sensitive teeth less painful, improving your comfort and allowing you to maintain good oral hygiene.
• Deep Bleaching: Deep bleaching can remove deep stains from your teeth, helping you maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile as part of your overall oral health plan.
• Dental Procedure: Dental procedures are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing infections that can affect your overall health.
• PerioLase® Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP): LANAP uses laser technology to treat gum disease, helping you prevent tooth loss and maintain healthy gums.
• Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique: The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive procedure that can help regenerate gum tissue, preventing further gum disease and improving your overall oral health.
• MTM® No-Trace Braces: MTM® No-Trace Braces offer a less visible way to correct misaligned teeth, proactively preventing potential bite issues and gum disease.
• 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.

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. Maria 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:

• A family was relieved to learn that early detection of potential cherubism issues, through proactive dental screenings, allowed for a personalized treatment plan, reducing the risk of future complications. This proactive approach provided the family with peace of mind and a clearer path toward managing their child's well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential oral motor difficulties, a family experienced a reduction in risk factors for future developmental challenges, fostering peace of mind and confidence in their child's future.
• By diligently practicing oral hygiene and adhering to a proactive preventative dentistry plan, a patient successfully managed their lichen planus symptoms, significantly reducing discomfort and improving their overall quality of life.

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. Maria DDS:

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

Dr. Maria DDS recommends seeing a dentist and hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps remove tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, 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, more importantly, gum disease, which has been 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, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal systemic health.

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, which are then topped with a natural-looking crown. This helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding teeth.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

When should my child first see a dentist?

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

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 are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seals out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

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.

18503 Pines Blvd Ste 202
Pembroke Pines FL 33029
Phone: (954) 432-4101

Dr. Maria Mezcua, 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): 1396899316

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. Maria 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.