Dr. Mary Palenzuela, DMD

Dr. Mary Palenzuela, 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 Plantation, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 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. She serves all ages. Please call (954) 474-8977 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Mary Palenzuela, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Plantation, FL, with a strong commitment to preventive care. Her practice emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in maintaining optimal oral and systemic health. She understands that preventative dentistry is not just about teeth; it's about overall well-being. She recognizes that prevention is key to minimizing future issues and improving the quality of life for all patients. Dr. Mary DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Teething: Early detection of teething problems, such as excessive drooling or irritability, allows for proactive measures to reduce discomfort and prevent potential complications.
• Cleidocranial Dysostosis: Managing the unique dental challenges associated with cleidocranial dysostosis through regular dental visits and appropriate care minimizes the risk of developing gum disease or other oral health problems.
• Hunter Glossitis: Early detection of Hunter glossitis is key to preventing long-term damage to your tongue and maintaining optimal oral health.
• Dentofacial Anomalies: Addressing dentofacial anomalies early can safeguard your overall oral health, leading to a reduced risk of infections and tooth loss.
• Tooth and Nail Syndrome: Managing any associated health issues linked to Tooth and Nail Syndrome is crucial for preventing further damage to your teeth and gums.
• Herpes Stomatitis: Proper management of herpes stomatitis, such as antiviral medications and good oral hygiene, significantly reduces the frequency and severity of outbreaks, protecting your overall oral health.
• Bad Taste in Mouth: Persistent bad taste might indicate gum disease or infection, highlighting the importance of proactive dental care to avoid more serious complications.

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

• i-CAT® 3D Dental Imaging: Invest in your smile's future: i-CAT® 3D imaging creates precise 3D images of your teeth and jaw, allowing for early diagnosis and prevention of various dental issues.
• Photodisinfection Process: Protect your smile and overall health with photodisinfection, a painless treatment that eliminates cavity- and gum disease-causing bacteria.
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: This specialized surgery helps diagnose and treat complex problems impacting your jaw, teeth, and facial structures, often leading to better long-term oral health.
• Fixed Orthodontic Correction: Fixed orthodontic correction, such as braces or aligners, straightens your teeth to improve your bite and prevent future dental problems.
• Single Visit Root Canals: Preserve your smile and overall well-being by scheduling a single-visit root canal, swiftly addressing the infection and preventing future complications.
• Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique: Protect your smile and gums long-term: the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique offers a potential solution for gum recession, helping to prevent further bone and tissue loss.
• Gum Surgery: Gum surgery can proactively address gum disease, preventing further damage and preserving your natural teeth.

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. Mary 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:

• Recognizing early signs of teething discomfort, like increased drooling and fussiness, allowed a family to implement soothing strategies, minimizing potential issues and ensuring a more comfortable experience for their child.
• By adhering to a proactive dental care plan, a family successfully managed the unique dental challenges associated with cleidocranial dysostosis, ensuring a healthy smile and peace of mind for years to come.
• By scheduling regular dental checkups and following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully avoided the development of Hunter Glossitis, maintaining a healthy and happy smile. Early detection ensured long-term oral health and peace of mind.

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. Mary DMD:

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

At Dr. Mary DMD's office, we recommend seeing a dentist and dental hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This helps prevent tartar buildup, 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, 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 profoundly connected to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal oral health and, consequently, overall body health.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

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

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve 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.

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.

10080 NW 1st Ct
Plantation FL 33324
Phone: (954) 474-8977

Dr. Mary Palenzuela, 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): 1366498990

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. Mary 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.