Dr. Sandra Szef, DMD

Dr. Sandra Szef, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Sarasota, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her commitment extends to 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 serves all ages.

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. Sandra DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Sarasota, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She believes in the power of prevention, emphasizing the critical role of early detection and intervention.

To confirm if Dr. Sandra DMD is currently accepting new patients, please call (773) 226-9601. While Dr. Sandra DMD provides consultations primarily in English, her dedication to patient care extends to creating a welcoming and comfortable experience for all.

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

• Tooth Abrasion: By understanding the risk factors for tooth abrasion, like aggressive brushing or teeth grinding, you can take proactive steps to protect your enamel, reducing the chances of needing restorative treatments later on.
• Oral Thrush (Candidiasis): Early detection of oral thrush is crucial as it can lead to more serious complications if left untreated.
• Dental Disorders: Dental disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting your teeth and gums, and early detection through regular checkups can prevent serious problems and costly treatments.
• Edentulism: Losing all your teeth (edentulism) can be avoided by taking proactive steps to prevent gum disease and cavities, such as brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist for checkups and cleanings.
• Jaw Irregularities: Regular dental check-ups allow for the early detection of jaw irregularities, enabling timely intervention to prevent issues like temporomandibular joint disorders or tooth wear.
• Receded Upper Jaw: Preventing further recession of your upper jaw requires prompt attention to gum health, with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings being key preventative measures.
• Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: Catching oral hairy leukoplakia early through routine dental visits can help monitor its progression and prevent any associated discomfort or secondary infections, promoting your overall oral health.

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

• Endodontic Surgery: Investing in your long-term oral health includes addressing severe tooth decay or trauma. Endodontic surgery helps prevent the spread of infection and preserves your natural teeth.
• Example Service One for dentistry_us: Ensure a healthy mouth and body by participating in a preventive dental screening that helps prevent serious oral health issues and supports overall well-being.
• Dental X-Ray: Invest in your long-term oral health with a simple dental X-ray. This safe imaging procedure is key to early detection of hidden issues, helping your dentist provide preventative care and protect your overall well-being.
• Retainer Therapy: Wearing your retainer as directed protects your investment in a beautiful smile and helps prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position.
• Laser Teeth Whitening: Enhance the appearance of your teeth and improve your confidence while also enabling your dentist to check for early signs of cavities or gum disease during a laser teeth whitening treatment.
• SureSmile® Dental Braces: Take control of your oral health: SureSmile® braces correct misaligned teeth, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Opalescence® Tooth Whitening System: Enhance your smile and overall oral health with Opalescence®; professional whitening can improve your appearance and contribute to better oral hygiene practices.

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. Sandra 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 understanding and addressing tooth abrasion risks like aggressive brushing, a patient proactively protected their enamel, avoiding costly restorative treatments later.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully prevented the development of oral thrush, maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being. Early detection allowed for prompt treatment and minimized the risk of future complications.
• By scheduling routine dental checkups, a family proactively identified and addressed early signs of potential dental disorders, ensuring a healthier smile and peace of mind for years to come.

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. Sandra DMD:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Sandra DMD and our dental hygienists every six months is recommended. 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 excellent home care, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, importantly, gum disease, which is linked to other health problems such as heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is intrinsically linked 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 optimal body health.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Sandra 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 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're a powerful preventive tool, particularly for children and teens, as they seal out food and plaque, preventing cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?

Modern digital dental X-rays use extremely low levels of radiation and are very safe. They allow Dr. Sandra DMD to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, oral cancer screenings are a routine and important part of every dental check-up at Dr. Sandra DMD. We visually inspect the lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

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 maintains the health of surrounding teeth.

6559 Connecticut Ave
Sarasota FL 34243
Phone: (773) 226-9601

Dr. Sandra Szef, 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): 1760167654

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. Sandra 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.