Dr. Ricky Pan, DMD

Dr. Ricky Pan, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at his clinic in Oldsmar, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 is committed to serving all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (813) 855-1007 to schedule.

Dr. Pan's passion for dentistry stems from his upbringing, where he was encouraged to pursue a career in medicine, engineering, or law. Instead, he chose dentistry, falling in love with the ability to heal, the hands-on nature of the work, and the immediate positive impact he can have on patients' lives. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and furthered his training with Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He is committed to comprehensive care, and his dedication to preventive care is reflected in his personalized treatment plans. His care philosophy emphasizes a positive patient experience and improving the quality of health for each patient. Dr. Ricky DMD offers consultations in Cantonese.

Dr. Pan's commitment to preventive dentistry is rooted in his extensive training. He earned his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and completed his residency training in Preventive Dentistry Services at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. This rigorous training, combined with his personal drive to improve patient health, makes him an invaluable partner in your preventive dental care. He firmly believes in the power of proactive health management, and he is eager to help you achieve optimal oral and overall well-being. He is pleased to welcome new patients to his clinic in Oldsmar, FL.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Ricky 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. Ricky 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. Ricky 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: Catching cavities early through regular checkups and cleanings helps prevent larger, more painful problems down the line and keeps your teeth healthy longer.
• Tooth Damage: Managing existing tooth damage, such as chips or fractures, minimizes the risk of infection, pain, and more extensive damage requiring extensive restorative work.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tooth Demineralization: Preventing tooth decay starts with understanding tooth demineralization—the process where your enamel weakens, increasing your risk of cavities; regular checkups and proper brushing help detect and reverse this.
• Tooth Abrasion: Tooth abrasion, the wearing away of tooth enamel, can be prevented by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding abrasive toothpastes, protecting your teeth from premature damage and sensitivity.
• Toothache: Ignoring a toothache can lead to more serious problems like gum disease or the need for extensive dental work, emphasizing the value of prompt treatment.
• Broken Tooth: A broken tooth, if left untreated, can lead to infection, further damage, and ultimately tooth loss, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention.
• Tooth Decay: Tooth decay, or cavities, is preventable with good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing, protecting your teeth and gums from serious damage.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a preventable infection that damages the gums and bone supporting your teeth, and early detection through regular checkups is key to preventing serious complications.
• Gingivitis: Inflamed gums, a sign of gingivitis, can be reversed with diligent brushing and flossing, protecting your teeth and overall health.
• 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.

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

• Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Take proactive steps towards preventing gum disease with a non-surgical gum treatment, helping catch and address issues early before they worsen.
• Dental Crown: A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and protect it from further decay, helping you keep your natural smile for longer.
• Dental Implant: A dental implant offers a permanent solution to missing teeth, improving your confidence, enhancing your smile, and helping to prevent future dental problems.
• Restoration of Dental Implants: Protecting your investment in dental implants involves regular restoration appointments to detect and treat minor problems before they become major concerns.
• Denture Repair: Regular denture repair is a proactive step to preserve the health of your gums and jawbone, promoting overall oral health.
• Dental Bonding: Take a proactive step towards preventing future dental problems by considering dental bonding; it can repair minor tooth damage before it worsens, saving you from more extensive procedures later.
• Teeth Whitening: Enhance your oral hygiene routine with teeth whitening, helping you maintain a healthy, attractive smile for years to come.
• Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of your teeth, improving their appearance and protecting them from further damage, thus proactively enhancing your smile and oral health.
• Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: Invest in your oral health with an ultrasonic cleaning; this advanced technology helps identify potential issues early, preventing more extensive and costly treatments down the road.
• Special Needs Patients-General Care: Ensure your oral health is optimally managed with our special needs dental care, focusing on early detection and prevention of cavities and gum disease.
• Root Canal: A root canal helps save a severely infected tooth by removing the damaged pulp and preventing further infection or tooth loss, preserving your natural smile.
• Dental Bridge: For a long-term solution to a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, a dental bridge can restore your smile and support your overall oral 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. Ricky 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 scheduling regular checkups and cleanings, a family was able to catch a cavity early, preventing further damage and ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles.
• By addressing minor chips and fractures early, a patient avoided the need for more extensive dental work, ensuring a healthy, pain-free smile for years to come.
• By consistently following a preventive dentistry plan that included avoiding hard foods and using a mouthguard, a patient successfully reduced their risk of tooth attrition, maintaining a confident and healthy 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. Ricky DMD:

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

At Dr. Ricky DMD, we recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This helps remove tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, allowing us to 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 (calculus) that only a professional cleaning can remove. This process is crucial for preventing cavities and, importantly, gum disease, which is linked 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, or periodontitis, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is crucial for maintaining optimal body health.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of 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.

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. Ricky DMD to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Ricky DMD can help with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. For some patients, a custom-fitted oral appliance worn at night can effectively keep the airway open, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP. We'll discuss your specific needs to determine if this option is right for you.

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, and headaches. Dr. Ricky DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

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

190 Pine Ave N
Oldsmar FL 34677
Phone: (813) 855-1007

Dr. Ricky Pan, 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): 1982091153

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. Ricky 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.