Dr. Patricia Sullivan, DMD

Dr. Patricia Sullivan, 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 Gainesville, 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 and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She welcomes patients of all ages to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Patricia Sullivan, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Gainesville, FL. She completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, and her practice is focused on the crucial role of prevention in maintaining optimal oral and systemic health. She understands that a strong foundation in preventive care is essential for long-term well-being, and she strives to help each patient achieve and maintain that foundation. Her approach emphasizes a personalized, collaborative experience, ensuring a supportive environment where patients understand and actively participate in their health management. Dr. Patricia DMD provides consultations primarily in English. Call (352) 372-3600 to schedule an appointment and begin your proactive health journey today. She is currently accepting new patients.

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

• Dentin Dysplasia - Sclerotic Bones: Managing dentin dysplasia effectively involves regular dental visits for monitoring and addressing any secondary complications, like increased susceptibility to fractures, preserving your long-term oral health.
• Craniosynostosis - Arthrogryposis - Cleft Palate: Early identification of craniosynostosis, arthrogryposis, and cleft palate allows for timely interventions that can improve feeding, speech development, and prevent dental problems later in life.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: Dentinogenesis Imperfecta is a rare genetic condition affecting tooth development, making regular dental checkups crucial for early detection and management to prevent further complications.
• Ankylosis: Early detection of ankylosis, a condition where a tooth fuses to the jawbone, is crucial for preventing misalignment, tooth loss, and other oral health issues.
• Lip Cancer: Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection of lip cancer, enabling timely treatment and improving the chances of a positive outcome.
• Candidiasis of Mouth: Practicing preventive oral care, such as regular brushing and flossing, reduces your risk of developing candidiasis, a common but treatable infection.
• Mouth Cancer: Reducing your risk of mouth cancer through healthy habits like avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol intake can safeguard your oral and overall health.

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

• Porcelain Dental Onlays: To proactively safeguard your teeth from extensive damage, porcelain onlays offer a durable solution for moderate decay, helping prevent the need for larger, more invasive procedures.
• Nitrous Oxide Administration: Nitrous oxide sedation creates a comfortable environment for longer procedures like preventative cleanings, leading to better oral hygiene practices.
• Porcelain Dental Braces: Enhance your oral health and boost your confidence with porcelain braces – a sophisticated orthodontic solution that straightens teeth and improves bite alignment for better overall health.
• Dental Procedure: Investing in regular dental procedures is a key step in preventing serious oral health issues, saving you discomfort and costly treatments down the road.
• Pediatric Filling: A pediatric filling helps repair a cavity in your child's tooth, preventing further decay and protecting their developing smile.
• Laser Lingual Frenectomy: Protecting your oral health starts with addressing potential limitations. A laser lingual frenectomy can release a restricted tongue, improving your ability to clean your teeth and reducing the risk of infections.
• Digital Tomography: Digital tomography provides detailed 3D images of your teeth and jaw, helping your dentist detect hidden cavities or gum disease early for prompt treatment.

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. Patricia 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 attending regular dental checkups, a patient with dentin dysplasia was able to proactively address potential issues and maintain a healthy smile, reducing the risk of fractures and ensuring long-term oral well-being.
• By proactively scheduling regular checkups, a family gained valuable insights into their child's development, allowing for early intervention and mitigating potential complications related to craniosynostosis, arthrogryposis, and cleft palate. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and empowered the family to focus on their child's overall well-being.
• By proactively scheduling regular dental checkups, a family was able to identify potential issues with dentinogenesis imperfecta early, significantly reducing the risk of future complications and enjoying 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. Patricia DMD:

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

Dr. Patricia recommends visiting the dentist and dental hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps 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 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 has been linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal body health.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Patricia DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Patricia DMD can assess your oral health to ensure you're a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, that provide 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. Patricia DMD is dedicated to providing pain-free root canal 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 your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using extremely low levels of radiation. They allow Dr. Patricia to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better treatment outcomes.

3720 NW 43rd St Ste 102
Gainesville FL 32606
Phone: (352) 372-3600

Dr. Patricia Sullivan, 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): 1770780843

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. Patricia 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.