Dr. Robert Sheffield, DDS

Dr. Robert Sheffield, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at his clinic in Fort Myers, 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. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, and he serves all ages.

Dr. Robert Sheffield, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Fort Myers, FL, dedicated to preventative care. His focus is on creating personalized plans to help patients maintain optimal oral and systemic health. Understanding that preventive care is crucial for long-term well-being, Dr. Robert DDS emphasizes proactive strategies to prevent dental issues. Patients should call (239) 334-3636 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:

• Carcinoma Tongue: Carcinoma of the tongue is preventable in many cases by limiting risk factors like tobacco and excessive alcohol use, along with consistent self-exams and professional dental screenings.
• Gaps Between Teeth: Gaps between your teeth, or diastema, can increase your risk of food particles getting trapped, leading to cavities and gum disease if not properly cleaned.
• Receding Gums: Protecting your gums from recession through proper oral hygiene is a key component of preventative dental care, safeguarding your smile and overall well-being.
• Crouzon Syndrome: The unusual facial features associated with Crouzon syndrome can increase the risk of specific dental problems, emphasizing the importance of proactive dental care to prevent secondary complications.
• Gingivostomatitis: Managing gingivostomatitis promptly can help prevent the spread of infection and potential long-term oral health problems.
• Hypodontia: Managing hypodontia through early intervention, such as dental implants or braces, helps maintain proper jaw alignment and reduces the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues.
• Dental Trauma: Proper management of dental trauma, including prompt professional care, minimizes the chance of tooth loss, jaw fractures, or other severe consequences.

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:

• Preseason Dental Exam: Don't wait for a problem to arise—schedule a preseason dental exam to screen for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues, ensuring a healthy, confident smile.
• Gold Dental Inlays: Gold inlays offer a strong, aesthetically pleasing way to repair teeth affected by decay, preserving tooth structure and preventing future complications.
• Nobel Biocare Implants: Nobel Biocare implants offer a reliable way to replace missing teeth, improving your confidence and helping to prevent difficulties with eating and speech.
• Invisalign®: Invisalign® offers a discreet way to straighten your teeth, improving your smile and reducing the risk of future dental problems often associated with crooked teeth.
• PerioLase® Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP): Take a proactive step toward better oral health with LANAP—a laser procedure that helps regenerate gum tissue and fight gum disease.
• Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances: Proactively address potential sleep apnea with a consultation for an oral appliance; this comfortable device can improve your sleep, reduce snoring, and improve your overall health.
• Replacing a Single Tooth: Restoring a single missing tooth improves chewing efficiency and speech clarity, contributing to better overall well-being and quality of life.

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 consistently attending preventive dental screenings and limiting alcohol and tobacco use, a patient significantly reduced their risk of tongue cancer, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their overall health.
• By proactively addressing potential gaps between their teeth, a family significantly reduced their risk of future dental problems, enjoying a healthier, more confident smile.
• By diligently following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully maintained healthy gums, ensuring a vibrant smile and overall well-being for years to come. This proactive approach prevented gum recession, bringing peace of mind and confidence in their oral health.

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?

For most people, a visit to Dr. Robert DDS every six months for a check-up and cleaning is recommended. This allows our dental hygienists to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, enabling 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 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 is linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is deeply connected to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining not only a healthy mouth but also your 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. Robert DDS. We will visually inspect your lips, tongue, gums, and the entire mouth for any abnormalities. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

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.

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

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Robert DDS 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.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Robert DDS can help some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. For these patients, a custom-fitted oral appliance can be created to keep the airway open while you sleep, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP. We'll discuss your specific needs during your consultation.

5150 Mason Corbin Ct Ste 1
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (239) 334-3636

Dr. Robert Sheffield, 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): 1548489560

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.