Dr. Richard Spooner, DMD

Dr. Richard Spooner, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Gainesville, 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 is central to his practice, recognizing that oral health is intrinsically linked to overall well-being.

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 DMD is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients of all ages feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is a dentistry practitioner in Gainesville, FL, and patients should call (352) 377-1705 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Richard DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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:

• Orthodontic Disorders: Proper alignment of your teeth and jaw, achieved through orthodontic care, makes cleaning easier, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Chronic Periodontitis: Chronic periodontitis is a serious gum infection that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and may even impact your overall health, so regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and prevention.
• Ameloblastoma: Ameloblastoma is a rare, slow-growing tumor of the jaw that, if detected early through regular dental checkups, can be treated effectively to prevent more extensive surgery or complications.
• Fibromatosis Gingival-Hypertrichosis: Because fibromatosis gingival-hypertrichosis can affect your ability to clean your teeth effectively, regular checkups and professional cleanings are essential for preventing gum disease.
• Mouth Conditions: Regular dental visits and proactive oral care are vital for preventing and managing various mouth conditions, minimizing their impact on your systemic health.
• Tooth Damage: Protecting your teeth from damage through preventive measures like wearing a mouthguard during sports or avoiding hard candies helps maintain your oral health and overall well-being.
• Crooked Teeth: Crooked teeth, or malocclusion, can make it harder to clean your teeth effectively, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease, so early detection and treatment are crucial for preventive 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:

• Preseason Dental Exam: Start your season strong with a preseason dental exam to catch any potential problems early and prevent cavities or gum disease before they start.
• Ceramic Dental Braces: Take a proactive step towards a healthier mouth and bite by choosing ceramic braces to correct misalignment and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Restoration of Dental Implants: Maintaining the health of your dental implants through timely restoration helps preserve your smile, improve chewing function, and promotes overall oral health.
• Nobel Biocare Implants: As part of your proactive approach to oral health, Nobel Biocare implants provide a lasting solution to missing teeth, ensuring optimal chewing function and preventing further jawbone problems.
• Philips Zoom!: Philips Zoom! offers a convenient and effective way to maintain your beautiful smile, acting as a preventative measure for future staining and promoting confidence in your oral health.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Treatment: Early detection is key to managing TMJ disorders. Schedule a TMJ assessment to understand any underlying issues and receive personalized treatment options.
• Diode Laser Soft Tissue Treatment: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with diode laser soft tissue treatment; it helps detect and treat early signs of gum disease.

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 addressing potential orthodontic issues early on, a family found relief from the anxieties associated with future dental problems, and gained confidence in their oral health journey. This proactive approach minimized their risk of developing more serious issues later on.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized preventative plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing chronic periodontitis, ensuring a healthy smile and overall well-being.
• By prioritizing regular dental checkups, a patient was able to detect a potential ameloblastoma early, allowing for a less invasive treatment plan and minimizing long-term complications. This proactive approach provided the family with significant 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. 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?

We recommend visiting Dr. Richard DMD and our dental hygienists every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This is a critical preventive step 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 home care, 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 deeply connected to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining good overall body health.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Richard DMD recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for ensuring proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

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

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 adjacent teeth.

3510 NW 43rd St
Gainesville FL 32606
Phone: (352) 377-1705

Dr. Richard Spooner, 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): 1871824870

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.