Dr. Mariely Santos, DDS

Dr. Mariely Santos, DDS 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 Aspen Dental in Riverview, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her focus on 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; please call (743) 200-4596 to schedule.

Dr. Mariely DDS, the Lead Dentist of the Riverview, FL location, is a graduate of Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. With years of valuable dental experience, she and the rest of the Aspen Dental team are proud to offer professional, compassionate care to patients like you. Aspen Dental practices are committed to treating patients with the compassion and respect they deserve. The practices believe in providing comprehensive care that addresses both your short- and long-term dental care needs, and promise to provide an honest, judgment-free environment where it all comes down to great care. Dr. Mariely DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Chipped Tooth: Addressing a chipped tooth promptly minimizes the chance of the chip worsening, possibly leading to a more complex and costly repair later on.
• Canker Sore: Early detection of unusually large, painful, or persistent canker sores is crucial, as it could indicate a more serious underlying medical condition.
• Halitosis: Early detection and treatment of the underlying cause of halitosis are crucial for preventing further damage to your teeth and gums.
• 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.
• Sensitive Teeth: Protecting your teeth from sensitivity is key to preserving their long-term health and preventing the need for extensive dental work.
• Tooth Decay: Regular dental visits for cleaning and fluoride treatments help prevent tooth decay and strengthen your teeth, shielding them from harmful bacteria.
• Mouth Conditions: Addressing mouth conditions promptly can stop minor issues from escalating into major problems, saving you time, money, and discomfort.
• Bad Taste in Mouth: Don't ignore a lingering bad taste; it could be a symptom that needs attention to prevent cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
• Tender Gums: Tender gums are a warning sign that needs attention; addressing the issue early can help avoid costly and painful dental 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.
• Gum Disease: Protecting your gums from disease involves practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings to reduce your risk of gum problems.

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. Mariely 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: Amalgam fillings are a durable way to restore teeth damaged by decay, proactively preventing further infection and preserving your natural smile.
• Cosmetic Procedure: Cosmetic procedures can enhance your smile's appearance, boosting your confidence and encouraging regular dental checkups.
• Dental Cleaning: Regular dental cleanings are a proactive step towards maintaining healthy gums and teeth, catching potential problems early.
• Dental Crown: To safeguard your oral health, a dental crown can be used to strengthen a weakened tooth, preventing future infection or the need for more extensive dental work.
• Dental Hygiene Services: Maintain optimal oral hygiene and prevent costly dental work down the line with routine dental hygiene services—a small investment with huge returns for your smile.
• Dental Implant: Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant prevents the shifting of adjacent teeth and maintains the proper alignment of your bite.
• 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: Enhance your oral hygiene routine with teeth whitening, helping you maintain a healthy, attractive smile for years to come.
• Tooth-Conserving Dentistry: By prioritizing tooth-conserving dentistry, you're taking a proactive step to maintain your oral health, avoiding tooth loss and potential health complications.

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. Mariely 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:

• Recognizing loose teeth as a signal for prompt action, a patient proactively addressed the issue, preserving their natural teeth and maintaining a healthy smile. Early intervention ensured a positive outcome and prevented further dental problems.
• A young woman, concerned about a small chipped tooth, sought preventive dentistry guidance. By addressing the chip early, she avoided a more extensive and costly procedure, maintaining a healthy and confident smile.
• By scheduling regular dental checkups, a patient was able to identify a concerning canker sore early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing potential complications. This proactive approach ensured a swift resolution and restored the patient's oral health quickly.

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. Mariely DDS:

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

At Dr. Mariely DDS, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps prevent tartar buildup, detects cavities early, and screens 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 (periodontitis) is associated with increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular preventive dental care is therefore essential for maintaining optimal health throughout your body.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Mariely 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.

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. Mariely DDS to see issues like cavities and bone loss that aren't visible, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

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. Mariely DDS is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

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 help prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

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.

Aspen Dental
13023 US Highway 301 S
Riverview FL 33578
Phone: (743) 200-4596

Dr. Mariely 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): 1316581838

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. Mariely 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.