Dr. Richard Sanderford, DDS

Dr. Richard Sanderford, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to preventive care extends beyond addressing immediate dental concerns; he recognizes the critical link between oral and systemic health, and proactively works to maintain optimal well-being for all patients.

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. Dr. Richard DDS 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. He serves all ages, and patients should call (239) 694-5700 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Richard Sanderford, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Fort Myers, FL, specializing in preventive care. His approach to patient care is focused on education and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in maintaining optimal oral and overall health. Dr. Richard DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess is a painful infection at the root of a tooth, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention of serious complications.
• Hunter Glossitis: Managing Hunter glossitis effectively can help avoid complications like pain, difficulty eating, and potential infections, safeguarding your overall oral health.
• Traumatic Dental Injuries: Early detection and treatment of traumatic dental injuries minimizes the risk of infection, nerve damage, and tooth loss.
• Canker Sore: While most canker sores heal on their own, paying attention to their frequency and severity helps identify potential nutritional deficiencies or stress factors impacting your oral health.
• Congenital Nasal Deformity: Congenital nasal deformities, present from birth, can sometimes affect facial development, potentially influencing jaw alignment and requiring early monitoring to prevent future dental complications.
• Salivary Gland Cyst: Salivary gland cysts, if left untreated, can cause discomfort and potentially lead to more serious issues, highlighting the significance of preventative dental care.
• Worn Down Teeth: Early detection of worn-down teeth through routine dental exams is crucial, enabling timely interventions such as fillings or crowns to prevent more extensive damage and maintain 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 DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Electric Handpiece: Invest in your overall well-being: the electric handpiece ensures a more effective cleaning, leading to better oral health and reducing the risk of systemic health problems.
• Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®): Take a proactive step towards preventing tooth loss with LANAP®, a minimally invasive laser treatment for gum disease.
• Jaw Reconstruction Surgery: Jaw reconstruction surgery can correct structural issues in your jaw, improving bite alignment and preventing future dental problems.
• Porcelain Dental Braces: Investing in porcelain braces is a proactive step towards achieving a healthy, well-aligned bite, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Edgewise Dental Braces: Edgewise braces straighten teeth to improve your bite and prevent future dental problems like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Invisalign®: Invest in your long-term oral health with Invisalign®. Straightening your teeth can help prevent complications like jaw pain, gum disease, and tooth decay that can arise from misalignment.
• Sirona Galileos Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): Enhance your preventive dental care with a Galileos Cone Beam CT scan – a detailed imaging technology that supports accurate diagnoses, helping prevent costly and extensive treatments in the future.

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 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 proactive oral hygiene plan, a family avoided the pain and complications of a tooth abscess, maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being.
• By proactively managing their oral hygiene and attending regular checkups, a patient was able to successfully prevent the development of Hunter Glossitis, maintaining a healthy and comfortable mouth.
• By scheduling regular checkups and learning about protective measures, a family minimized the risk of traumatic dental injuries, gaining peace of mind and ensuring healthy smiles 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. Richard DDS:

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

At Dr. Richard DDS, we recommend 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.

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.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular preventive dental care is therefore essential for maintaining optimal body health.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (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. Richard DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the modern gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots, which are then topped with a natural-looking crown. This helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding teeth.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Richard DDS can assess your oral health to ensure you're 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 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.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Richard DDS can help with snoring and some cases of mild to moderate sleep apnea. For eligible patients, we offer a custom-fitted oral appliance worn at night to keep the airway open, providing a comfortable alternative to CPAP.

10551 Ben C Pratt/6 Mile Cypress Pkwy
Fort Myers FL 33966
Phone: (239) 694-5700

Dr. Richard Sanderford, 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): 1689717241

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 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.