Dr. Rita Dargham, DMD

Dr. Rita Dargham, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. She practices at her clinic in Miami, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the 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. She is committed to serving all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (305) 858-0505 to schedule.

Dr. Rita Dargham, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Miami, FL, and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from the University of Florida, Gainesville in 1997 and is affiliated with Doctors Hospital. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Preventive Dental care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida, Gainesville in 1997, followed by residency training in Preventive Dentistry Services at Veterans Administration Hospital, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. We provide family care in the areas of cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry, treating the patient as a whole. Comprehensive care is our utmost goal, providing our patients with a healthy and beautiful smile, one they could be proud of for years to come. The fusion of art and science allows dentistry to create and maintain one's self-image in tact, smiling proudly as a result. We strive to enhance our patients' oral health by education, comprehensive care, and long-term maintenance. Dr. Rita DMD offers consultations in several languages, including Arabic, French, and Spanish.

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

• Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth, even a small one, can be a sign of underlying issues and should be checked by a dentist to prevent infection or further damage.
• Dental Disorders: Addressing dental disorders promptly helps stop minor issues from becoming major health concerns, impacting not only your smile but also your overall well-being.
• Gingivitis: Managing gingivitis effectively, through professional cleaning and at-home care, reduces your risk of developing more severe gum disease.
• Grinding of Teeth: Protecting your teeth from the damage caused by teeth grinding is vital for preventing costly and painful dental work down the line; talking to your dentist is the first step.
• Gum Disease: Don't let gum disease put your overall health at risk; proactive steps such as brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups can significantly minimize your chances of developing this preventable condition.
• Tooth Abrasion: Early detection of tooth abrasion allows for timely intervention, such as adjusting brushing techniques or using fluoride treatments, minimizing further enamel loss and preventing future problems.
• Tooth Abscess: Catching and treating gum disease early is essential, as untreated gum disease is a major risk factor for developing a tooth abscess requiring potentially extensive dental treatment.
• 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.
• Tooth Decay: Regular dental visits for cleaning and fluoride treatments help prevent tooth decay and strengthen your teeth, shielding them from harmful bacteria.
• Tooth Loss: Preventing tooth loss starts with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene to catch problems early and avoid major issues down the line.
• Toothache: Managing toothaches effectively through preventive dental care, including proper brushing and flossing, significantly reduces the risk of future dental issues.

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

• Dental Onlay: To proactively maintain strong teeth, a dental onlay can be used to repair a significantly damaged tooth surface, preventing further decay and preserving your natural tooth structure.
• Composite Fillings: Composite fillings offer a safe and effective way to restore teeth damaged by decay, safeguarding your overall oral health and preventing complications.
• Denture Repair: Regular denture repair is a proactive step to preserve the health of your gums and jawbone, promoting overall oral health.
• Restoration of Dental Implants: Regular restoration checks for your dental implants help identify and address any issues early, avoiding more extensive and costly procedures down the line.
• Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of your teeth by filling in chips, cracks, or discoloration, helping maintain a healthy and confident smile.
• Teeth Whitening: Take proactive steps to improve your smile's appearance and protect your teeth from future damage with professional teeth whitening.
• Root Canal: Protecting your overall oral health, a root canal treatment addresses severe tooth decay or injury, relieving pain and preventing the need for an extraction.
• Non-Surgical Bite Correction: Protect yourself from the discomfort and potential health complications of misaligned teeth by having your bite checked for non-surgical correction options.
• Dental Crown: A dental crown is a restorative procedure that protects a weakened or damaged tooth, serving as a proactive measure to prevent further complications and support long-term oral health.
• Simple Tooth Extractions: Simple tooth extraction helps prevent future dental problems by removing a damaged tooth that might otherwise lead to more extensive and costly treatment.
• Dental Inlays: Dental inlays are a proactive way to restore damaged teeth and prevent further decay, preserving your natural tooth structure.
• 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.

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. Rita 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:

• A patient noticed a small chip in their tooth and, following a preventive dentistry consultation, received prompt treatment, preventing further damage and the risk of infection. This proactive approach ensured a healthy smile and peace of mind.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized preventive plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of developing future dental problems, ensuring a healthy and confident smile for years to come.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully managed their gingivitis, preventing further gum disease and enjoying a healthy smile.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Rita DMD:

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

Dr. Rita DMD recommends visiting for checkups and cleanings every six months. This schedule helps prevent tartar buildup, detects early cavities, and screens 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 like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is deeply connected to your overall health. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal oral and overall body health.

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.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Rita 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 for future care.

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 the teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

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

2685 Bird Ave
Miami FL 33133
Phone: (305) 858-0505

Dr. Rita Dargham, 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): 1952418808

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. Rita 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.