Dr. Shawn Douglas, DDS

Dr. Shawn Douglas, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at his clinic in New Port Richey, 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, serving all ages.

Dr. Shawn Douglas, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in New Port Richey, FL, focused on the crucial role of prevention in maintaining excellent oral health. His approach emphasizes proactive strategies to avoid dental problems, tailoring plans to individual needs and proactively coordinating necessary screenings. He understands that oral health is interconnected with overall well-being, so he emphasizes a holistic approach. Patients should call (727) 372-3200 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Shawn DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Dental Spacing: Early detection of dental spacing issues can prevent more serious problems like crooked teeth or jaw misalignment down the line.
• Tooth Abscess: Preventing tooth decay and gum disease through diligent oral hygiene is crucial, as these conditions can lead to painful and costly tooth abscesses.
• Gingival Fibromatosis - Facial Dysmorphism: Managing gingival fibromatosis, a condition causing excessive gum tissue growth, is important for preventing potential issues with chewing, speaking, and maintaining good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits are essential for monitoring.
• Treacher Collins Syndrome: Managing Treacher Collins Syndrome often involves proactive dental care, including specialized treatments and preventative measures to minimize the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Behçet's Disease: Managing Behçet's Disease effectively, including regular dental visits, helps prevent painful mouth sores and other oral complications that can impact your overall health.
• Hutchinson Incisors: Regular prenatal care and early intervention can prevent congenital syphilis, a cause of Hutchinson incisors, safeguarding a child's future oral health and development.
• Cleft Palate: A cleft palate is a birth defect where the roof of the mouth doesn't fully close during pregnancy, and early diagnosis allows for timely intervention to minimize feeding and speech difficulties.

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

• i-CAT® 3D Dental Imaging: With i-CAT® 3D imaging, you can get a comprehensive view of your oral health, enabling your dentist to catch and treat issues like impacted wisdom teeth or jawbone abnormalities before they become major problems.
• Root Canal: Root canal treatment is a vital step in preventing the spread of infection from a severely damaged tooth to other areas of your mouth and body, promoting overall well-being.
• Endodontic Treatment: Endodontic treatment is a key procedure for detecting and resolving infections and inflammation deep within a tooth's root, safeguarding your oral health and overall well-being.
• Porcelain Dental Inlays: Porcelain inlays are a durable way to restore damaged teeth, preventing further decay and protecting your natural tooth structure.
• Orthotic Treatment: Orthotics improve your bite and the alignment of your teeth, reducing the risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and improving chewing efficiency.
• Harmony® Lingual Braces: Invest in a healthier, straighter smile with Harmony® Lingual Braces; they're a proactive step towards preventing crooked teeth and potential jaw issues.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Treatment: Invest in your long-term oral health by getting a TMJ evaluation. This helps identify and manage problems before they become serious, preventing chronic pain and complications.

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. Shawn 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 scheduling regular checkups and addressing early signs of dental spacing, a family gained peace of mind, knowing they were proactively managing potential future orthodontic issues. This proactive approach allowed them to confidently plan for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
• By diligently practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular checkups, a family proactively reduced their risk of developing painful tooth abscesses, enjoying a healthier, more confident smile.
• By scheduling consistent dental checkups, a patient proactively managed their gingival fibromatosis, maintaining a healthy smile and preventing potential complications related to chewing and speaking. This proactive approach provided them with 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. Shawn DDS:

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

Dr. Shawn DDS recommends seeing us every six months for a check-up and cleaning. 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 has been 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) is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is essential for maintaining good oral and overall health.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Shawn DDS can assess your oral health to determine if you're a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, for better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

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 approach helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding teeth.

What is a root canal and why is it needed?

A root canal is a procedure to save a badly infected or damaged tooth. It involves removing the inflamed pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. This treatment relieves pain and prevents the need for tooth extraction. Dr. Shawn DDS is skilled in performing root canals painlessly.

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.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Shawn DDS 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.

1821 Wellness Ln
New Port Richey FL 34655
Phone: (727) 372-3200

Dr. Shawn Douglas, 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): 1790990299

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. Shawn 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.