Dr. Richard Swanson, DDS

Dr. Richard Swanson, DDS 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 Crystal River, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His focus is squarely on prevention, recognizing that general preventive dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health. This involves 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's commitment extends to all ages, and he is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. He understands the importance of a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Richard Swanson, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Crystal River, FL. He is accepting new patients and encourages you to call (352) 795-1223 to schedule an appointment. 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:

• Odontogenic Lesions: Maintaining good oral hygiene helps prevent many odontogenic lesions, but regular checkups help identify those that may still develop and manage their progression early.
• Gingival Fibromatosis - Facial Dysmorphism: Gingival fibromatosis, sometimes associated with facial features, is a rare condition where the gums overgrow, and early detection through regular dental checkups helps prevent complications like difficulty chewing or speaking.
• Facial Ectodermal Dysplasia: Because facial ectodermal dysplasia can cause missing or abnormally shaped teeth, proactive dental care, including regular checkups and potential interventions, is vital to minimize long-term oral health problems.
• Misshapen Teeth: Preventing complications associated with misshapen teeth, such as uneven wear and tear or gum irritation, is easier with early intervention and professional guidance.
• 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.
• Bad Taste in Mouth: A bad taste in your mouth can signal a need for improved oral hygiene practices, preventing future cavities and gum disease.
• Bleeding Gums: Don't ignore bleeding gums – they're a sign that your gums need attention, and managing this early can avoid serious and costly dental procedures down the line.

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:

• Broken Dental Appliance: Don't let a broken retainer or bridge compromise your smile and oral hygiene; scheduling a repair ensures the continued effectiveness of your dental work.
• Tooth-Borne Denture: Take a proactive step in maintaining your smile and preventing jawbone loss with a tooth-borne denture—a comfortable solution for replacing missing teeth.
• Molar Endodontics: Early detection of infections in your molars is crucial; molar endodontics offers a solution to save your teeth and ensure long-lasting oral health.
• Amalgam Filling Removal: This procedure helps maintain the structural integrity of your teeth, preventing future complications like root canals or tooth loss, contributing to long-term oral health.
• Ceramic Dental Crowns: Protect your smile and strengthen your teeth with a ceramic crown, a proactive step to prevent further damage and maintain strong, healthy teeth.
• ClearCorrect™ Invisible Braces: Straighten your smile and improve your oral health with ClearCorrect invisible braces, proactively preventing future dental issues like gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
• Panorex FMX: Invest in your oral health with a Panorex FMX; these detailed X-rays help your dentist create a personalized prevention plan to protect your teeth and gums from 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 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 dental checkups, a patient proactively identified and managed an odontogenic lesion, avoiding potential future complications and maintaining optimal oral health. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and ensured a healthy smile for years to come.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient was able to identify and manage gingival fibromatosis early, preventing potential difficulties with chewing and speaking, and maintaining a healthy smile.
• By proactively scheduling regular dental checkups, a family ensured early detection of potential dental issues related to facial ectodermal dysplasia, minimizing long-term oral health problems and promoting 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 DDS:

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

At Dr. Richard DDS, we recommend seeing a dentist and dental hygienist every six months for check-ups and cleanings. This helps remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing can't, enabling us to detect 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, more importantly, gum disease, which has been linked to other health problems.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is deeply connected to overall health, as chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is essential for maintaining not only a healthy mouth but also a healthy body.

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, determine if 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 is TMJ disorder?

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 in the jaw, and headaches. Dr. Richard DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from teeth grinding.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Richard DDS 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 for future care.

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

1815 SE US Highway 19
Crystal River FL 34429
Phone: (352) 795-1223

Dr. Richard Swanson, 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): 1609904549

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.