Dr. Shawn Mullen, DMD

Dr. Shawn Mullen, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Tallahassee, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to preventive care extends beyond the immediate dental concerns, recognizing the critical link between 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. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, serving all ages.

Dr. Shawn Mullen, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Tallahassee, FL, accepting new patients. He understands that proactive health management is crucial for long-term well-being, and his practice emphasizes preventive strategies. His focus on prevention allows for early intervention and the management of potential dental issues before they escalate, ultimately contributing to better outcomes. He is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care, and he welcomes new patients to embark on their proactive health journey. Call (850) 893-8988 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Shawn DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Mouth Lesions: Preventing the development of serious oral health problems, including infections or cancer, begins with promptly addressing any mouth lesions your dentist may identify.
• Hypodontia: Regular dental visits are crucial for early detection of hypodontia to avoid potential long-term issues such as difficulty chewing, speech problems, or cosmetic concerns.
• Pericoronitis: Pericoronitis, an infection around partially erupted teeth, highlights the importance of proactive oral care, as early treatment can prevent pain, swelling, and long-term health issues.
• Tooth Damage: Tooth damage, like cavities or cracks, can be prevented with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, reducing the need for costly and extensive repairs later.
• Sensitive Teeth: Sensitive teeth, often a sign of enamel wear or exposed dentin, can be managed early to prevent further tooth decay and discomfort.
• Ectodermal Dysplasia With Natal Teeth, Turnpenny Type: Preventative dental care is crucial for individuals with ectodermal dysplasia with natal teeth (Turnpenny type) as it enables early intervention to mitigate the condition's impact on their teeth and overall oral well-being.
• Candidiasis of Mouth: Oral thrush, or candidiasis, is a fungal infection of the mouth that's preventable with good oral hygiene and early detection, helping avoid further complications.

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

• Laser Treatment for Dental Fillings: Laser dentistry offers a precise and often less invasive way to place fillings, helping you maintain strong, healthy teeth and prevent future cavities.
• Same-Day Dental Crowns: Take a proactive step towards better oral health by opting for same-day dental crowns – a fast and effective solution for restoring damaged teeth and preventing infection.
• In-House Dental Lab Service: For quicker repairs and replacements, our in-house lab allows for same-day service on many restorations, helping you avoid prolonged discomfort and maintain excellent oral health.
• Sulcular Debridement: Sulcular debridement is a cleaning procedure that removes plaque and bacteria from the gum line, helping prevent gum disease and cavities.
• Cone Beam 3D Imaging: For precise diagnosis and treatment planning, Cone Beam 3D Imaging creates a comprehensive 3D map of your mouth, helping your dentist prevent more serious dental issues down the line.
• Orthodontic Aligners: Aligners can help address crooked teeth, improving your smile while reducing your risk of tooth decay and gum issues in hard-to-reach areas.
• Laser Hardening of Amalgam: Laser hardening of amalgam fillings strengthens existing fillings, preventing future fractures and the need for replacements, extending their lifespan and maintaining oral health.

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 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 scheduling regular checkups and addressing any unusual mouth sores, a patient proactively reduced the risk of developing serious oral health issues, gaining peace of mind about their overall well-being.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient was able to identify potential hypodontia issues early, reducing the risk of future difficulties with chewing and speech, and gaining peace of mind.
• A family was relieved to learn that proactive dental checkups allowed for early detection of a potential pericoronitis issue, preventing significant pain and discomfort. This proactive approach ensured a comfortable and healthy outcome.

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 DMD:

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

At Dr. Shawn DMD, we recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This helps remove tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, catch cavities in their early stages, 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 crucial step prevents cavities and, 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, or periodontitis, is connected to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health and, consequently, your overall body health.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Shawn DMD can help with snoring and some cases of sleep apnea. For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, we can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep your airway open while you sleep, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP.

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 to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

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.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Shawn DMD can assess your oral health to ensure 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.

2929 Kerry Forest Pkwy
Tallahassee FL 32309
Phone: (850) 893-8988

Dr. Shawn Mullen, 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): 1851963359

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 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.