Dr. Richard Salko, DMD

Dr. Richard Salko, 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, he practices at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to preventive dentistry extends beyond the simple act of preventing cavities and gum disease; 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.

Dr. Richard Salko, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Jacksonville, FL. He is accepting new patients. His approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He believes in educating patients about their oral health and providing personalized strategies for maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being. Dr. Richard DMD provides consultations primarily in English. Call (904) 997-1177 to schedule your appointment and begin your proactive health journey today.

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

• Cavity: Cavities are preventable! Practicing good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are key to protecting your teeth from decay and maintaining your overall oral health.
• Chipped Tooth: Catching a chipped tooth early helps prevent more serious problems like tooth decay, infection, or the need for extensive restorative work, saving you time and money.
• Dental Disorders: Many dental disorders are preventable through proactive measures like brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, safeguarding your oral health for years to come.
• Tooth Decay: Managing your risk factors for tooth decay, such as diet and frequency of sugar consumption, significantly lowers your chance of developing cavities.
• Toothache: Toothaches often signal underlying dental problems; addressing them early helps prevent complications and preserves your oral health, impacting overall well-being.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta - Short Stature - Hearing Loss - Mental Retardation: While Dentinogenesis Imperfecta primarily impacts teeth, its association with short stature, hearing loss, and intellectual disability highlights the need for comprehensive health monitoring to address related health issues.
• Tooth Attrition: Protecting your teeth from excessive wear and tear through preventative measures such as avoiding hard foods and using a mouthguard helps prevent tooth attrition and maintain your overall oral 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. Richard DMD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Dental Cleaning: Protect your smile and overall health with professional dental cleanings, which screen for early signs of gum disease and cavities.
• Light Activated Teeth Whitening: Take a proactive step towards a healthier smile with light-activated teeth whitening; it's a safe and effective way to remove surface stains and enhance the overall aesthetic of your teeth.
• Oral Soft Tissue Assessment: Make your oral health a priority with a comprehensive oral soft tissue assessment. This examination helps detect early warning signs of gum disease, oral cancer, and other potentially serious conditions.
• Laser Treatment for Dental Fillings: Protect your smile's longevity by choosing laser fillings; this innovative approach helps preserve more of your natural tooth structure while effectively repairing cavities.
• Herbst® Appliance: An Herbst appliance is a type of orthodontic device that helps correct an overbite by gently guiding your jaw's growth, preventing future jaw problems and improving your bite.
• Root Canal Retreatment: Root canal retreatment involves thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the root canals of a previously filled tooth, safeguarding your smile and preventing the spread of infection.
• Dental Onlay: A dental onlay is a custom-made restoration that protects a weakened tooth from further damage and prevents the need for a more extensive procedure like a crown, safeguarding your smile's long-term 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. Richard 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 diligently following a preventive oral hygiene plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of cavities, ensuring a healthy, confident smile for years to come. Regular checkups and cleanings provided peace of mind, allowing them to focus on other important aspects of their well-being.
• By attending regular checkups and receiving expert advice, a patient caught a minor chip early, preventing further damage and costly procedures. This proactive approach ensured a healthy smile and saved them time and money in the long run.
• By diligently following a preventive oral hygiene routine and attending regular checkups, a family significantly reduced their risk of developing dental disorders, ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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. Richard DMD:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Richard DMD and our dental hygienist 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 diligent 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 is linked to other health problems, including 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, or periodontitis, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is therefore an essential part of maintaining optimal body health.

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. Richard DMD 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 keep your smile healthy.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Richard DMD can help with sleep-disordered breathing. For some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, we can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open while you sleep. This is a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seals out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

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.

7711 Baymeadows Rd E Ste 1
Jacksonville FL 32256
Phone: (904) 997-1177

Dr. Richard Salko, 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): 1992978092

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. Richard 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.