Dr. Mario Lopez Gutierrez, DDS

Dr. Mario Lopez Gutierrez, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) at his clinic in Tallahassee, FL. His 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. He 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, and serves all ages.

Dr. Mario Lopez Gutierrez, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Tallahassee, FL, dedicated to providing comprehensive preventive dental care. His practice focuses on preventing oral health issues, including cavities and gum disease, through personalized plans and proactive screenings. He understands the interconnectedness of oral and systemic health, and strives to create a supportive environment where patients are empowered to take an active role in their overall well-being. Please call (915) 855-8874 to confirm if Dr. Mario DDS is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Mario DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Lichen Planus: Regular dental checkups are key for early detection and management of lichen planus, a condition that, if left unaddressed, can lead to pain, discomfort, and impact your overall oral health and well-being.
• Gingival Fibromatosis: Gingival fibromatosis is a rare condition causing unusually firm and overgrown gums, which, if left unmanaged, can lead to difficulties with chewing, cleaning your teeth, and potentially gum disease.
• Ectopic Eruption: Addressing ectopic eruption early, during routine dental checkups, means preventing potential jaw misalignment, crooked teeth, and difficulties cleaning, all key aspects of preventive dentistry.
• Tooth Decay: Managing your risk factors for tooth decay, such as diet and frequency of sugar consumption, significantly lowers your chance of developing cavities.
• Jaw Bone Tissue Deterioration: Maintaining strong jawbone health is crucial for preventing tooth loss and other oral health complications, making regular dental visits essential.
• Dental Tissue Neoplasm: Protecting your oral health through regular dental visits is crucial for early detection of any abnormal growths (neoplasms) in your mouth's tissues, potentially preventing more invasive treatments later.
• Limited Tooth Movement: Limited tooth movement can be a sign of gum disease or other underlying oral health problems, highlighting the importance of regular checkups 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. Mario DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Oral Surgical Procedures: Oral surgery can be a proactive measure for maintaining long-term oral health by removing obstacles to effective hygiene and preventing complications from complex oral conditions.
• Arestin® Therapy: For a healthier mouth and body, consider Arestin® Therapy. This treatment directly addresses gum disease, reducing the need for more extensive procedures.
• Composite Fillings: Composite fillings are a proactive way to repair cavities and prevent further tooth decay, protecting your smile's long-term health.
• Pinhole Surgical Technique: For a less invasive approach to treating gum recession and improving gum health, the Pinhole Surgical Technique offers a potential solution to maintaining your oral health.
• Thornton Adjustable Positioner® (TAP®): This device aids your dentist in achieving the ideal tooth positioning, leading to a more functional and aesthetically pleasing smile while minimizing the risk of future dental problems.
• Pericoronitis: Take charge of your oral health and schedule regular checkups to identify and address pericoronitis, a painful infection that can occur around wisdom teeth.
• Microsonic Dental Cleanings: Take charge of your oral health with microsonic cleanings; this advanced technology helps detect early signs of gum disease and cavities, allowing for timely intervention.

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. Mario 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 dental checkups, a patient proactively managed potential lichen planus symptoms, reducing discomfort and maintaining excellent oral health. This proactive approach ensured a positive outcome and peace of mind.
• By proactively managing gum health through regular checkups and personalized care plans, a patient successfully maintained healthy gums and avoided the potential complications of gingival fibromatosis. This proactive approach ensured the patient could confidently maintain excellent oral hygiene and a positive outlook on their overall health.
• By attending regular checkups, a family proactively addressed the potential for ectopic eruption, preventing future orthodontic issues and ensuring a healthy, well-aligned smile for years to come.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Mario DDS:

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

At Dr. Mario DDS, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows our team to remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, detect early cavities, 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 crucial step prevents cavities and, importantly, gum disease, which is 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) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal oral and overall body health.

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

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Mario DDS can help some patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. We offer custom-fitted oral appliances to keep the airway open during sleep, providing a comfortable alternative to CPAP for eligible patients. We'll discuss your specific needs to determine if this option is right for you.

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 significant damage or decay.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Mario 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 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. Mario DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

17 De Marzo
Tallahassee FL 32310
Phone: (915) 855-8874

Dr. Mario Lopez Gutierrez, 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): 1639300148

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. Mario 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.