Dr. Maria Saunders, DMD

Dr. Maria Saunders, DMD 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 Pembroke Pines, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her focus on prevention extends beyond the immediate to encompass 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.

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. Maria Saunders, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Pembroke Pines, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. To confirm if she is currently accepting new patients, please call (954) 431-8484. Dr. Maria DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Underbite: An underbite is a misalignment that can be addressed through orthodontic treatment; early intervention reduces the risk of chronic jaw pain and more complex dental issues.
• Gingival Fibrosis: Gingival fibrosis is a thickening of the gum tissue, often a sign of long-term gum disease, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention of more serious complications.
• Fused Mandibular Incisors: Managing fused mandibular incisors through regular dental check-ups and thorough cleaning helps maintain optimal oral health and reduces the risk of developing more serious dental issues.
• Glossitis: Glossitis is an inflammation of your tongue that can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies or other underlying health issues, making regular checkups with your dentist crucial for early detection and prevention of complications.
• Unequal Jaw Growth: Preventing complications from uneven jaw growth starts with early identification; addressing this issue can help maintain a proper bite, reducing your risk of future dental problems.
• Hunter Glossitis: Proper care and treatment of Hunter glossitis are crucial steps in preventing chronic tongue issues and promoting your overall well-being.

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

• Dental Prophylaxis, Child: Regular dental prophylaxis for children helps prevent cavities and gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup, keeping their smiles healthy and bright.
• Dental Brace and Headgear: Dental braces and headgear help straighten teeth and improve your bite, preventing future dental problems and promoting a healthy smile.
• Orthodontic Aligners: Orthodontic aligners straighten your teeth to improve your bite, preventing future jaw problems and making brushing and flossing easier.
• Same-Day Dental Onlays: Take control of your oral health with same-day dental onlays, a procedure that can prevent further tooth decay and restore damaged teeth quickly and efficiently.
• Desensitizing Therapy (Dental): Desensitizing therapy is a convenient way to treat sensitive teeth, enabling you to brush and floss effectively without pain, maintaining optimal oral health.
• Geneva 2000™ Dentures: Geneva 2000™ Dentures can restore your smile and improve your self-esteem, allowing you to enjoy a better quality of life.
• Local Anesthesia: Protecting your smile involves sometimes needing local anesthesia; it allows dentists to thoroughly examine and treat areas that might otherwise be too sensitive, ensuring timely interventions.

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 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 catching a chipped tooth early, a patient avoided potential complications like decay or infection, saving themselves time and money in the long run. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a healthy smile and a worry-free future.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following a personalized preventative plan, a family proactively managed potential underbite issues, reducing the risk of future dental problems and ensuring a healthy smile for years to come.
• By attending regular dental checkups and following a personalized preventative plan, a patient successfully managed their gum health, reducing the risk of developing gingival fibrosis and maintaining a 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. Maria DMD:

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

At Dr. Maria DMD, we recommend seeing your dentist and dental hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps remove tartar buildup that brushing 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?

Oral health is deeply connected to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is essential for maintaining good overall body health.

What is TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Maria DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from teeth grinding.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, receding gums exposing the tooth root, or tiny cracks in the teeth. A proper diagnosis by Dr. Maria DMD is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend appropriate treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Maria DMD 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.

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.

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 the lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities, as early detection is key to successful treatment.

500 N Hiatus Rd Ste 109
Pembroke Pines FL 33026
Phone: (954) 431-8484

Dr. Maria Saunders, 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): 1205148228

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 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.