Dr. Mary Shaeffer, DMD

Dr. Mary Shaeffer, 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 Jacksonville, 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 is paramount; 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 committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Patients should call (904) 723-4407 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Mary Shaeffer, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to the comprehensive well-being of her patients. Her practice prioritizes the prevention of oral health issues, recognizing the crucial link between oral and systemic health. Through personalized strategies and a focus on proactive care, she helps patients understand and maintain optimal oral health. Dr. Mary DMD offers consultations in Tagalog, further demonstrating her commitment to providing accessible and comprehensive care to the diverse community she serves. Her approach to patient care prioritizes open communication, allowing for a shared understanding and collaborative decision-making process.

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:

• Canker Sore: Managing stress and maintaining a balanced diet can help prevent frequent canker sore outbreaks, protecting your overall oral health and well-being.
• Tooth Decay Caused by Acid Attack: Early detection of acid erosion is key to preventing tooth decay; regular dental checkups help identify and address acid damage before it becomes severe.
• Oral Submucous Fibrosis: Managing risk factors like betel quid chewing can significantly reduce your chances of developing oral submucous fibrosis, a debilitating condition affecting the mouth.
• Gingivostomatitis: Preventing gingivostomatitis involves practicing good oral hygiene to reduce your risk of infection and inflammation.
• Gingival Fibromatosis - Dental Abnormalities: Because gingival fibromatosis can affect gum health and increase the risk of infection, regular professional cleanings are crucial for preventing severe gum disease and its potential complications.
• Tooth Attrition: Managing tooth attrition involves proactive measures like adjusting your brushing technique and using fluoride toothpaste to minimize further enamel loss and protect against sensitivity.
• Craniofrontonasal Syndrome, Teebi Type: Children with Craniofrontonasal syndrome, Teebi type, benefit from regular dental check-ups and tailored preventative care to address potential structural challenges and prevent secondary infections.

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:

• Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of your teeth, improving their appearance and protecting them from further damage, thus proactively enhancing your smile and oral health.
• Orthotic Treatment: Investing in orthotic treatment can correct misaligned teeth, preventing potential future complications like cavities and gum disease that are harder to treat.
• Panoramic and Cephalometric Digital Dental X-Rays: Protect yourself from potential oral health problems with panoramic and cephalometric digital X-rays. These images give us a detailed look at your entire mouth, helping to identify and treat issues before they become serious.
• Complex Tooth Extraction: A complex tooth extraction is a procedure to remove a tooth that's difficult to access or remove due to its position, condition, or surrounding bone structure, protecting your overall oral health.
• Invisible Dental Braces: Invisible dental braces offer a discreet way to straighten your teeth, preventing future dental issues and improving your smile's long-term health.
• Pocket Reduction Surgery: As a proactive step in maintaining your gum health, pocket reduction surgery targets and minimizes gum pockets, reducing your risk of serious periodontal disease.
• Replacing All Teeth: Consider replacing missing teeth to improve your overall oral health, reducing the risk of jawbone deterioration and shifting 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:

• By understanding triggers and adopting a balanced diet, a patient significantly reduced the frequency of canker sore outbreaks, enjoying a more comfortable and confident daily life.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient proactively identified and addressed acid erosion, significantly reducing the risk of future tooth decay and ensuring a healthy smile for years to come.
• By understanding the risks and making conscious choices about their oral health, a patient was able to significantly reduce their chances of developing oral submucous fibrosis, maintaining a healthy and comfortable mouth.

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?

Most people benefit from a check-up and cleaning every six months. This allows our dental team to remove 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.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is deeply connected to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is vital for maintaining optimal oral and overall health.

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 a root canal and why is it needed?

A root canal is a treatment to save a badly infected or damaged tooth. It involves removing the inflamed pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. This procedure relieves pain and prevents the need for tooth extraction.

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.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Mary 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, for better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

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. Mary DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

6100 Greenland Rd Ste 502
Jacksonville FL 32258
Phone: (904) 723-4407

Dr. Mary Shaeffer, 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): 1750408845

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.