Dr. Mark Elfervig, DDS

Dr. Mark Elfervig, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) at his clinic in Bradenton, FL, where he serves as a partner in your lifelong oral health journey. 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 providing exceptional care for all ages, and welcomes new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (941) 795-0144 to schedule.

Voted yearly since 2011 "One of Area's Top Dentists" by Sarasota Magazine, Dr. Elfervig's practice encompasses general, cosmetic, implant, and laser dentistry. His commitment to staying at the forefront of dentistry, coupled with over 25 years of experience and his Mastership status with the Academy of General Dentistry (a distinction held by only 2,000 dentists in the USA and Canada), ensures you receive the highest quality care. Recognized for his commitment and service, Dr. Elfervig has a diverse patient base, including individuals from over 30 states, Europe, Asia, and Africa. He is dedicated to giving you the beautiful, healthy smiles you deserve. Dr. Mark DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Broken Tooth: A broken tooth, if left untreated, can lead to infection, further damage, and ultimately tooth loss, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention.
• Cavity: Cavities are preventable! Practicing good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are key to protecting your teeth from decay and maintaining your overall oral health.
• Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth, even a small one, can be a sign of underlying issues and should be checked by a dentist to prevent infection or further damage.
• Dental Disorders: Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and management of dental disorders, allowing for timely intervention to prevent further damage and improve long-term oral health.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums, is a preventable condition; addressing it promptly safeguards your gums and supports overall well-being.
• Grinding of Teeth: Grinding your teeth, or bruxism, can wear down enamel, leading to cavities and sensitivity—catching it early with a dental check-up prevents major problems.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease is a chronic condition, but regular dental visits and proper at-home care can help manage the disease and prevent its progression.
• Loose Teeth: Don't ignore loose teeth – they indicate a problem that, if left untreated, can lead to infections, further tooth loss, and even impact your overall health.
• Teething: Managing teething discomfort through safe methods minimizes the risk of your baby developing poor oral habits that can lead to long-term dental issues.
• Tooth Damage: Early detection of tooth damage through routine dental exams allows for less invasive treatment, preventing further decay and preserving your natural teeth.
• Tooth Decay: Preventing tooth decay is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being, as untreated decay can lead to infections and other health problems.
• Toothache: Experiencing a toothache? This underscores the importance of consistent oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits to minimize the risk and manage the impact of oral health 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. Mark 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 dental work can address minor imperfections that might otherwise affect your self-esteem and lead to neglecting dental care.
• Dental Cleaning: A dental cleaning is a simple yet effective preventative measure to keep your mouth healthy, detecting any issues early and avoiding future complications.
• Dental Crown: A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and protect it from further decay, helping you keep your natural smile for longer.
• Dental Examination: A dental examination is a proactive check-up that helps detect cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing more serious issues.
• Dental Implant: Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant prevents the shifting of adjacent teeth and maintains the proper alignment of your bite.
• Dental X-Ray: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with a dental X-ray. It allows your dentist to see below the surface of your teeth and gums to diagnose problems early, often before you experience any symptoms.
• Pediatric Dental Exam: Schedule a pediatric dental exam to catch any developing dental problems early, ensuring your child's smile stays healthy and bright.
• Root Canal: By addressing severe inflammation and infection within the tooth's root, root canal therapy significantly reduces the risk of painful complications like abscesses and prevents future dental issues.
• Teeth Whitening: Enhance your oral hygiene routine with teeth whitening, helping you maintain a healthy, attractive smile for years to come.

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. Mark 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 checkups and following preventive advice, a patient avoided a broken tooth from becoming a more serious dental problem, maintaining a healthy smile and preventing potential future issues.
• By attending regular checkups and diligently practicing good oral hygiene, a family significantly reduced their risk of cavities, ensuring a healthy and confident smile for years to come.
• A young woman, noticing a small chip in her tooth, promptly scheduled a visit with a dentist. Early detection allowed for a simple repair, preventing further damage and potential infection.

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. Mark DDS:

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

At Dr. Mark DDS, we recommend seeing a dentist and dental hygienist every six months for checkups and cleanings. This schedule is critical for removing tartar buildup that brushing alone can't eliminate, allowing us to catch cavities early, and screening 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 is linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining not only a healthy mouth but also a healthy body.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Mark DDS can assess your oral health to ensure you are a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, for better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

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. Mark DDS to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better treatment outcomes.

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

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Mark 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're a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seal out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

1906 59th St W Ste A
Bradenton FL 34209
Phone: (941) 795-0144

Dr. Mark Elfervig, 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): 1699804633

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. Mark 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.