Dr. Norka Velasco, DMD

Dr. Norka Velasco, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. She practices at her clinic in Coral Gables, 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. Dr. Norka DMD provides consultations primarily in English. She serves all ages. Please call (786) 703-3943 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Norka Velasco, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Coral Gables, FL, specializing in preventive care. Her practice prioritizes the prevention of dental issues, empowering patients to take control of their oral health. She believes in a personalized approach, creating tailored plans for each patient to maintain optimal oral and systemic well-being. This includes proactive strategies to prevent cavities and gum disease, and comprehensive screenings. Her commitment to evidence-based medicine and a supportive environment encourages patient participation in their overall health journey. Patients should contact the office at (786) 703-3943 to inquire about new patient appointments.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Norka 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. Norka 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. Norka 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 Decay Caused by Acid Attack: Acid attacks from sugary drinks and foods weaken tooth enamel, leading to cavities; preventing these attacks through mindful diet and regular brushing protects your teeth.
• Fused Mandibular Incisors: Early detection of fused mandibular incisors allows for proactive dental care, potentially preventing future complications like decay or gum problems in the affected area.
• Orofacial Infection: Orofacial infections, if left untreated, can lead to significant health problems. Regular dental visits can help identify and manage them early.
• Dental Disorders: Dental disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting your teeth and gums, and early detection through regular checkups can prevent serious problems and costly treatments.
• Orofacial Pain: Managing orofacial pain effectively is key to preventing long-term discomfort and potential damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw joints, so regular dental check-ups are vital.
• Tooth Discoloration (Resistant to Whitening): If teeth whitening doesn't improve discoloration, a dentist can diagnose the cause and create a personalized plan to protect your teeth and prevent future problems.
• Gingivostomatitis: By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing gingivostomatitis and its associated discomfort.

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

• Gum Graft Surgery: Gum graft surgery helps prevent gum recession and periodontal disease, safeguarding your teeth and overall oral health.
• e.max® Dental Crowns: For a tooth weakened by decay or injury, an e.max® crown provides a robust, natural-looking restoration that helps protect the tooth from further damage and preserves your smile.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Take a proactive step towards better health with an oral cancer screening; it's a simple procedure that can significantly reduce your risk of developing this serious disease.
• Porcelain Dental Inlays: As part of comprehensive dental care, porcelain inlays effectively address moderate tooth decay, preventing the need for more extensive procedures later on.
• Geneva 2000™ Dentures: Geneva 2000™ Dentures are a comfortable and functional solution to missing teeth, improving your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
• Panorex X-Ray: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with a Panorex X-ray; it's a comprehensive image that allows for early detection of cavities, gum disease, and other potential problems.
• Porcelain Veneers: Enhance your smile and protect your teeth from future decay with porcelain veneers, a proactive step in maintaining your overall oral health and preventing further damage.

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. Norka 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 the link between sugary drinks and tooth decay, a family proactively adjusted their diet, reducing the risk of acid attacks and maintaining healthy smiles. They now enjoy a greater sense of confidence and peace of mind knowing they are taking steps to protect their teeth.
• By scheduling regular checkups, a family proactively addressed potential fused mandibular incisors, significantly reducing the risk of future dental problems and ensuring a healthy smile for years to come.
• By attending regular checkups and following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of orofacial infection, gaining peace of mind about their overall health.

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. Norka DMD:

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

At Dr. Norka DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps prevent tartar buildup, catches cavities early, and screens 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 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 (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal body health.

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.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Norka can assess your oral health to determine if 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 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. Dr. Norka DMD is experienced in performing root canals with minimal discomfort.

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

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Norka 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.

1805 Ponce de Leon Blvd Ste 301
Coral Gables FL 33134
Phone: (786) 703-3943

Dr. Norka Velasco, 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): 1881933240

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. Norka 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.