Dr. Sean Altenbach, DMD

Dr. Sean Altenbach, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to fostering lifelong oral 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. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 448-0441 to schedule.

With over 10 years of dedicated experience in Preventive Dental care, Dr. Altenbach brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Born and raised in Neptune Beach, Florida, he graduated with honors from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and a minor in History, followed by his Doctorate of Dental Medicine in 2010. Further specializing in implant dentistry through fellowship training with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (2015), he is a valuable asset to the community, offering a wide range of services including restorative and preventative dentistry, aesthetic dentistry, implant dentistry, relaxation dentistry, orthodontic care, endodontics, and oral surgery. Dr. Altenbach's practice, part of an esteemed Jacksonville heritage dating back to 1946, prioritizes honesty, gentleness, and excellence in care. He is an active member of several dental associations, including the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, and the Northeast District Dental Association. Dr. Sean DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Sean 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. Sean 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. Sean 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: Catching a chipped tooth early helps prevent more serious problems like tooth decay, infection, or the need for extensive restorative work, saving you time and money.
• Tooth Demineralization: Tooth demineralization is the gradual loss of minerals from your tooth enamel, increasing your susceptibility to cavities; maintaining excellent oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly can stop this process.
• 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.
• 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.
• Grinding of Teeth: Grinding your teeth, or bruxism, can wear down enamel, leading to cavities and sensitivity—catching it early with a dental check-up prevents major problems.
• Tooth Decay: Preventing tooth decay is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being, as untreated decay can lead to infections and other health problems.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums, is a preventable condition; addressing it promptly safeguards your gums and supports overall well-being.
• Dental Disorders: Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and management of dental disorders, allowing for timely intervention to prevent further damage and improve long-term oral health.
• 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.
• Toothache: A toothache can be a warning sign of a cavity or infection, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention.
• Tooth Loss: Early detection of gum disease and cavities through routine dental visits can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing tooth loss later in life.
• Tooth Abrasion: Preventing tooth abrasion is crucial for preserving your natural teeth and preventing sensitivity, ensuring comfortable chewing and maintaining a healthy smile throughout your life.

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

• Teeth Scaling: Invest in your long-term oral health by scheduling regular teeth scaling; this preventative measure helps remove plaque and tartar, safeguarding your teeth and gums.
• Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Non-surgical gum treatment offers a gentle yet effective way to address gum problems, preventing more invasive procedures and preserving your natural teeth.
• Porcelain Veneers: Take a proactive role in your oral health journey by considering porcelain veneers; they can mask imperfections and strengthen vulnerable teeth, preventing potential issues down the line.
• Teeth Whitening: Enhance your oral hygiene routine with teeth whitening, helping you maintain a healthy, attractive smile for years to come.
• Denture Repair: Denture repair ensures your dentures fit comfortably and function properly, preventing further oral health issues like sores and jaw pain.
• 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.
• Root Planing: Take control of your oral health with root planing—a procedure that addresses gum disease early on, preventing the need for more extensive treatments in the future and supporting overall health.
• Simple Tooth Extractions: Simple tooth extractions are a way to prevent the spread of infection from a damaged tooth that could impact your overall health.
• 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.
• Dental Onlay: A dental onlay is a custom-made restoration that protects a weakened tooth from further damage and prevents the need for a more extensive procedure like a crown, safeguarding your smile's long-term health.
• Root Canal: By addressing severe inflammation and infection within the tooth's root, root canal therapy significantly reduces the risk of painful complications like abscesses and prevents future dental issues.
• Dental Inlays: Protecting your smile's longevity, dental inlays offer a durable solution to repair moderate tooth decay before it leads to more extensive procedures.

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. Sean 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 young woman, noticing a small chip in her tooth early, sought preventive care. This proactive approach allowed her to avoid further damage and costly dental procedures, ensuring a healthy smile for years to come.
• By following a proactive oral hygiene plan and regular checkups, a patient successfully maintained healthy teeth, preventing tooth demineralization and reducing the risk of cavities. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind about their oral health.
• By scheduling regular dental checkups, a patient was able to catch a potential tooth abscess early, preventing further pain and the need for more extensive treatment. This proactive approach ensured a healthy smile and peace of mind.

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. Sean DMD:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Sean DMD and our dental hygienist every six months is crucial for preventive care. This schedule 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, 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 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, including regular checkups and cleanings, is crucial for maintaining optimal oral and systemic 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 adjacent teeth.

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

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 your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

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 seal out food and plaque, preventing cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

8841 San Jose Blvd
Jacksonville FL 32217
Phone: (904) 448-0441

Dr. Sean Altenbach, 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): 1346561743

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. Sean 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.