Dr. Robert Gatling, DDS

Dr. Robert Gatling, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Jacksonville, 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 approach, recognizing that early intervention is key to maintaining optimal oral and systemic health.

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. Robert DDS's practice welcomes all ages and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is a dentistry practitioner in Jacksonville, FL, and patients should call (904) 751-4556 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Robert DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Bleeding Gums: Regular brushing and flossing are your first line of defense against bleeding gums, and early detection and treatment help protect your overall health.
• Dental Bone Loss: Maintaining good oral health practices can significantly reduce your risk of developing dental bone loss, a condition that can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
• Open Bite: Maintaining proper jaw alignment is key to preventing an open bite from worsening and potentially causing more serious issues such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, emphasizing the significance of proactive dental care.
• Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: Oral hairy leukoplakia is a harmless white patch on your tongue, often linked to the weakened immune system from conditions like HIV, and regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and managing potential complications.
• Example Condition One for dentistry_us: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups is your best defense against cavities and the discomfort they cause.
• Plicated Tongue: A plicated tongue, characterized by deep grooves or folds on its surface, can sometimes increase the risk of bacterial buildup and inflammation, highlighting the importance of diligent oral hygiene to prevent gum disease.
• Gum Cancer: Protecting your gum health is crucial in preventing gum cancer; regular professional cleanings and diligent oral hygiene significantly reduce your risk.

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

• Lumineers®: For a brighter, straighter smile without extensive dental work, consider Lumineers; these porcelain shells address cosmetic issues, improving your confidence and maintaining your oral health.
• Root Planing: Root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that helps remove harmful bacteria and plaque buildup beneath the gum line, preventing gum disease and improving your overall oral health.
• Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening is more than just aesthetics; it encourages regular dental checkups, supporting the early detection of oral health concerns.
• Light Activated Teeth Whitening: Take a proactive step towards a healthier smile with light-activated teeth whitening; it's a safe and effective way to remove surface stains and enhance the overall aesthetic of your teeth.
• Orthodontic Treatment, Early: Addressing orthodontic issues early on can prevent the development of jaw problems, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and gum disease.
• da Vinci® Veneers: Enhance your smile and protect your teeth's natural structure with da Vinci® Veneers, a proactive step in maintaining long-term oral health.
• Composite Fillings: Take charge of your oral health by choosing composite fillings; these durable restorations effectively seal damaged areas, preventing future infections.

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. Robert 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 personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully managed bleeding gums, maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being.
• By diligently following a preventive dentistry plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of dental bone loss, achieving peace of mind knowing they were proactively safeguarding their oral health.
• By proactively addressing jaw alignment concerns, a patient was able to significantly reduce the risk of an open bite worsening, fostering peace of mind and preventing potential future complications.

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. Robert DDS:

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

At Dr. Robert DDS, we recommend seeing our dental hygienists and dentists every six months for check-ups and cleanings. This helps 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 meticulous 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 can be linked to other health problems.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is deeply connected to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is therefore an essential part of maintaining excellent overall 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 (molars). They're a powerful preventive tool, particularly for children and teenagers, that seal out food and plaque, preventing cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

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. Robert DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as 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.

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are caps that cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after significant damage or decay.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

1413 Dunn Ave
Jacksonville FL 32218
Phone: (904) 751-4556

Dr. Robert Gatling, 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): 1194805671

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. Robert 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.