Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez, DMD

Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at his 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). His commitment to 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 serves all ages and is dedicated to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Coral Gables, FL, focused on providing comprehensive preventive dental care. His practice emphasizes the crucial role of prevention in maintaining optimal oral and systemic health. He works to tailor preventative strategies to each individual's needs, ensuring a personalized approach to oral health management. To confirm Dr. Ricardo DMD's availability for new patients, please call (305) 445-1144. Dr. Ricardo DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Protruding Front Teeth: To maintain a healthy and functional bite, early detection and management of protruding front teeth are vital for preventing more complex issues down the line.
• Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth can lead to increased sensitivity and pain if left untreated; regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and management.
• Limited Tooth Movement: Maintaining sufficient tooth mobility is crucial for preventing severe periodontal disease which can cause tooth loss; regular check-ups are key to monitoring and maintaining healthy teeth.
• Occlusal Disease: Occlusal disease, or issues with the way your teeth fit together, can lead to headaches and jaw problems if left untreated—making early detection key for prevention.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type I: Managing Shield's Type I Dentinogenesis Imperfecta involves regular dental visits for monitoring and treatment to reduce the risk of tooth fractures, infections, and other oral health issues.
• Incisors Fused: Fused incisors, where two or more front teeth are joined, can sometimes affect proper chewing and cleaning, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease if not carefully monitored and professionally managed.
• Oral Thrush (Candidiasis): Proper care, including regular dental checkups, helps prevent oral thrush and its associated health problems.

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

• Clear Dental Braces: Invest in clear braces to address crooked teeth, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease from hard-to-clean areas.
• Replacing Several Teeth: Investing in replacing multiple teeth safeguards your long-term oral health, enhancing your ability to eat comfortably and speak clearly.
• Digital X-Ray (CDR): A digital X-ray allows your dentist to see inside your teeth and gums to detect cavities, infections, or bone loss early, preventing more serious problems down the line.
• Gum Surgery: Protecting your gum health through surgery helps prevent tooth loss and maintain a beautiful smile for years to come.
• Intraoral Camera: This advanced imaging helps your dentist pinpoint areas of concern in your mouth, enabling prompt treatment to maintain healthy teeth and gums, and potentially preventing future health complications.
• Pinhole Surgical Technique: As part of your comprehensive oral health plan, consider the Pinhole Surgical Technique to help restore gum tissue and prevent further gum recession.
• Clear Retainer: Take a proactive step towards long-term oral health by using a clear retainer to preserve the alignment of your teeth and prevent future dental issues.

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. Ricardo 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 addressing protruding front teeth early, a family gained peace of mind knowing they were proactively managing their child's oral health and reducing the risk of more complex issues later.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient was able to identify and address a small chipped tooth early, preventing further damage and discomfort. This proactive approach ensured a comfortable and healthy smile.
• By scheduling regular check-ups and following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a patient was able to maintain healthy gums and teeth, reducing the risk of limited tooth movement and ensuring a confident smile.

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. Ricardo DMD:

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

For most people, visiting Dr. Ricardo DMD and our dental hygienists every six months is a critical preventive step. 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 excellent brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, importantly, gum disease, which has links 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) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining a healthy body.

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are "caps" that cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after significant damage or decay.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Ricardo can assess your oral health, recommend appropriate professional-grade treatments like custom trays or in-office procedures, and ensure a better and safer outcome 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. It's not a painful procedure, but rather a way to save your tooth.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

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.

2600 S Douglas Rd Ste 910
Coral Gables FL 33134
Phone: (305) 445-1144

Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez, 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): 1164624326

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. Ricardo 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.