Dr. Rafael Cepeda, DDS

Dr. Rafael Cepeda, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to prevention extends beyond individual teeth; 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. He 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. Rafael DDS is currently welcoming new patients of all ages to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (904) 717-9161 to schedule.

Dr. Rafael Cepeda, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Jacksonville, FL. He is accepting new patients. His practice focuses on the critical role of prevention in maintaining optimal oral and systemic health. He understands that a proactive approach to dental care is essential for long-term well-being, and he strives to educate and empower patients to take control of their oral health. Dr. Rafael DDS provides consultations primarily in English. He is committed to creating a personalized plan for each patient, considering individual needs and goals.

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

• Periodontitis: Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a serious infection that can damage the soft tissues and bone supporting your teeth, but early detection and proactive treatment can prevent tooth loss and other health problems.
• Dental Trauma: Early detection of dental trauma, even minor injuries, is crucial to prevent infections, nerve damage, and long-term complications.
• Mouth Lesions: Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection of mouth lesions, helping manage any potential risks and maintaining your overall oral health.
• Unequal Jaw Growth: Managing unequal jaw growth proactively, through treatments like orthodontics, helps safeguard against bite problems, gum disease, and TMJ disorders, promoting overall oral well-being.
• Ectodermal Dysplasia With Natal Teeth, Turnpenny Type: Because ectodermal dysplasia with natal teeth, Turnpenny type, can affect the number, shape, and structure of teeth, ongoing preventative care helps manage potential infections and bite problems.
• Dislocated Jaw: Early intervention for jaw dislocation, such as immediate medical attention, can significantly reduce the risk of further injury and complications including chronic pain and limited jaw movement.
• Oral Motor Problems: Oral motor problems, like difficulty chewing or swallowing, can signal underlying health issues and should be checked by your dentist to prevent further complications.

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

• Dental Brace: Correcting your bite with braces is an investment in your long-term oral and overall health; it prevents future dental problems and contributes to a healthier smile.
• Orthodontic Treatment, Adolescent: Orthodontic treatment helps align your teeth and jaws, promoting better oral hygiene and preventing future dental problems.
• Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening can reveal underlying dental issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of more significant problems.
• Simpli5® Clear Aligners: Simpli5® Clear Aligners offer a discreet way to straighten your teeth, improving your smile and preventing potential future dental issues caused by misaligned bites.
• Laser Maxillary Frenectomy: For optimal oral health, a laser maxillary frenectomy may be recommended to address a tight lip frenulum. This minor procedure can facilitate proper cleaning and reduce the risk of future gum issues and tooth misalignment.
• Full Mouth Rehabilitation: Full mouth rehabilitation is a comprehensive approach to restoring your oral health, identifying and addressing any issues to prevent future problems like cavities and gum disease.
• Teeth Scaling: Regular teeth scaling is a simple yet effective way to detect and address early signs of periodontal disease, improving your overall health.

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. Rafael 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 attending regular checkups and following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient effectively managed their gum health, preventing the progression of periodontitis and maintaining a healthy smile. This proactive approach ensured long-term oral well-being and peace of mind.
• By scheduling regular checkups and addressing minor chips proactively, a family reduced their risk of future dental trauma complications, gaining peace of mind about their oral health.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient was able to identify and address a mouth lesion early, reducing potential risks and maintaining their oral health. This proactive approach provided peace of mind, ensuring a healthy smile for years to come.

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. Rafael DDS:

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

Dr. Rafael DDS recommends visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps remove tartar buildup, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer. It's a critical preventive step for a healthy smile.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent home care, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease, which can be linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intricately 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 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.

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

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. Rafael DDS to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

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 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, preventing cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

305 Union St E
Jacksonville FL 32202
Phone: (904) 717-9161

Dr. Rafael Cepeda, 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): 1205084472

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. Rafael 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.