Dr. Melanie Scarfone, DMD

Dr. Melanie Scarfone, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. She practices at Sage Dental of East Boca in Boca Raton, 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 providing this care to all ages.

Dr. Melanie DMD's focus on prevention stems from her deep understanding of the interconnectedness of oral and systemic health. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University in 2015, a testament to her commitment to her field. This dedication, coupled with her passion for cosmetic dentistry, allows her to approach each patient's unique needs with personalized care. Dr. Melanie is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (561) 997-9930 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Melanie DMD offers consultations in Portuguese.

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

• Tooth Discoloration: Discolored teeth can sometimes indicate more serious conditions, emphasizing the importance of preventive dental care and early detection.
• Cracked Tooth: Protecting your teeth from cracks involves maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking professional help at the first sign of a problem, preventing future pain and discomfort.
• Receded Lower Jaw: Maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing any gum problems promptly helps to prevent recession of your lower jaw, protecting your teeth and overall oral health.
• Example Condition One for dentistry_us: Protecting your teeth from decay starts with proactive prevention: good oral hygiene and routine dental visits help avoid painful cavities.
• Palate Cancer: Palate cancer, a serious disease affecting the roof of your mouth, is best prevented through regular dental checkups that allow for early detection and prompt treatment.
• Canker Sore: While most canker sores heal on their own, paying attention to their frequency and severity helps identify potential nutritional deficiencies or stress factors impacting your oral health.
• Ankylosis of Tooth: Preventing complications from ankylosed teeth, where the tooth root is fused to the jawbone, starts with routine dental exams to allow for early detection and timely intervention.

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

• Mandibular Tori Removal: Mandibular tori removal is a surgical procedure to address bony growths in the lower jaw, improving comfort and preventing potential complications like injury or difficulty with dentures.
• Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Take proactive steps towards preventing gum disease with a non-surgical gum treatment, helping catch and address issues early before they worsen.
• DEXIS® Platinum Digital Radiography System: Ensure your dental health is in excellent shape with detailed digital X-rays, which provide a clear picture of your teeth and gums, allowing for early detection of cavities and gum disease.
• Composite Fillings: Protect your teeth from the further spread of decay by proactively addressing cavities with composite fillings – a safe and effective restorative option.
• Nightguard: Take proactive steps towards better oral health with a nightguard; it helps prevent teeth grinding, which can lead to worn enamel, jaw pain, and headaches.
• Retainers: Retainers are a crucial part of preserving the results of your orthodontic treatment, safeguarding your gum health, and contributing to long-term oral health.
• Pediatric Crown: By placing a pediatric crown, we can save a severely damaged tooth in your child's mouth, avoiding potential complications and ensuring a healthy smile as they grow.

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. Melanie 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 scheduling regular checkups and following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient proactively addressed potential tooth discoloration, gaining confidence in their smile and overall well-being.
• By scheduling regular checkups and addressing minor tooth sensitivity early, a patient avoided the discomfort and expense of a severely cracked tooth, maintaining a healthy and confident smile.
• By diligently practicing good oral hygiene and promptly addressing gum issues, a patient maintained a healthy smile and prevented recession of the lower jaw, ensuring years of confident, comfortable chewing.

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. Melanie DMD:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Melanie DMD and our dental hygienists every six months is recommended. This allows us to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with meticulous 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 has been linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is deeply connected to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is crucial for maintaining optimal oral and overall health.

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

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 the teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

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 itself.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Melanie DMD can help some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. We can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep your airway open while you sleep, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.

Sage Dental of East Boca
1200 W Yamato Rd
Boca Raton FL 33431
Phone: (561) 997-9930

Dr. Melanie Scarfone, 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): 1396127908

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. Melanie 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.