Dr. Matthew Dennis, DDS

Dr. Matthew Dennis, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Gainesville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends beyond the immediate treatment of dental issues; he prioritizes the prevention of cavities and gum disease through personalized plans, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. General Preventive Dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health.

Dr. Matthew Dennis, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Gainesville, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He serves all ages, and patients should call (352) 273-5800 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Matthew DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: Because Dentinogenesis Imperfecta weakens tooth structure, proactive dental care, including protective treatments, is vital to minimize the risk of tooth breakage and infection.
• Compulsive Cheek Biting: Compulsive cheek biting can damage your gums and teeth, leading to cavities and infections, so it's important to identify and manage this habit to maintain optimal oral health.
• Traumatic Dental Injuries: By proactively managing your risk of dental trauma, you can safeguard your smile and preserve your oral health for years to come.
• Gummy Smile (Oversized Gingiva): While a gummy smile is often considered a cosmetic issue, regular dental checkups can help identify and address any related gum health problems early on.
• Dentin Dysplasia - Sclerotic Bones: Dentin dysplasia affects tooth structure, making preventive dental care, including regular check-ups and appropriate cleaning techniques, crucial to avoid secondary issues such as infections or tooth loss.
• Cataract Dental Syndrome: Preventive dental care is crucial because conditions like Cataract Dental Syndrome, though rare, underscore that oral health is connected to your general health; early detection can help manage associated issues.
• Tooth and Nail Syndrome: Regular dental visits are essential, even if you don't experience symptoms, as they can identify any potential oral health issues linked to Tooth and Nail Syndrome.

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

• Endodontic Treatment: Protecting your smile starts with addressing infections deep within your teeth: endodontic treatment helps prevent the spread of infection, saving your natural tooth and avoiding more extensive procedures.
• Invisible Aligners: Invisible aligners straighten your teeth discreetly, improving your smile and preventing future bite problems that can lead to jaw pain and tooth damage.
• Digital Tomography: Ensure you get the most effective dental care with digital tomography. This advanced imaging helps your dentist identify even minor issues that may be missed with traditional x-rays, enabling early intervention and prevention of more serious problems.
• Same-Day Dental Crowns: Get a same-day dental crown to restore a damaged tooth and prevent further decay or infection, safeguarding your oral health.
• Arestin® Therapy: Protect your smile and overall health with Arestin® Therapy, a non-surgical approach to combat gum disease and maintain healthy gums.
• Gum Surgery: Gum surgery is a proactive measure to remove gum disease's underlying causes, promoting long-term oral health.
• Hidden Clasp: By using hidden clasps, your dentures will fit more comfortably, potentially avoiding sores, and aiding in maintaining good oral hygiene.

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. Matthew 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 following a proactive dental care plan, a family experienced significantly reduced risk of tooth breakage and infection due to their child's Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, allowing them to enjoy a more confident and comfortable smile.
• Recognizing the early signs of compulsive cheek biting and working with a preventive dentist, a patient successfully implemented strategies to manage the habit, thus preventing further damage to their teeth and gums. This proactive approach ensured optimal oral health and peace of mind.
• By understanding and addressing potential risks, a family proactively minimized their chances of experiencing traumatic dental injuries, ensuring a healthy and confident smile for years to come. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to enjoy their daily lives without the worry of sudden dental trauma.

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. Matthew DDS:

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

Dr. Matthew DDS recommends seeing a dentist and dental hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This is crucial for removing tartar buildup that brushing can't, identifying 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?

Your oral health is intrinsically linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or 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 crucial 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 use extremely low levels of radiation and are very safe. They allow Dr. Matthew to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better treatment outcomes.

What is a root canal and why is it needed?

A root canal is a procedure to save a badly infected or damaged tooth. It involves removing the inflamed pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. This treatment relieves pain and prevents the need for tooth extraction. It's not a painful procedure, but rather a way to preserve your smile.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, receding gums exposing the tooth root, or tiny cracks in the tooth. A proper diagnosis by Dr. Matthew DDS 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 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.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up. Dr. Matthew will visually inspect the lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities, as early detection is key to successful treatment.

1600 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 273-5800

Dr. Matthew Dennis, 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): 1063478717

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. Matthew 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.