Dr. Sherwood West, DDS

Dr. Sherwood West, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care at his clinic in Sarasota, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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 serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (941) 952-1790 to schedule. Dr. West is passionate about using his extensive experience, knowledge, and expertise to improve patients' smiles and quality of life. He earned his medical degree from Marquette University College Of Dentistry in 1998, and with over 25 years of experience in Preventive Dental care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is proficient in Spanish, offering consultations in this language.

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

• Bad Taste in Mouth: Don't ignore a lingering bad taste; it could be a symptom that needs attention to prevent cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
• Swollen Gums: Swollen gums can be a sign of gum disease, and early detection through regular dental checkups is key to preventing more serious problems.
• Gingivitis: Inflamed gums, a sign of gingivitis, can be reversed with diligent brushing and flossing, protecting your teeth and overall health.
• Tooth Damage: Early detection of tooth damage through routine dental exams allows for less invasive treatment, preventing further decay and preserving your natural teeth.
• Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Don't ignore jaw clicking – it might signal TMJ trouble. Early detection and management with your dentist will help you prevent future jaw pain and dysfunction.
• Canker Sore: Managing stress and maintaining a balanced diet can help prevent frequent canker sore outbreaks, protecting your overall oral health and well-being.
• Tooth Loss: Managing existing dental problems like gum disease and cavities promptly can help you maintain your natural teeth and avoid the need for tooth replacements.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a preventable infection that damages the gums and bone supporting your teeth, and early detection through regular checkups is key to preventing serious complications.
• Halitosis: Halitosis can be a warning sign of poor oral hygiene, prompting proactive steps to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
• Stained Teeth: Stained teeth can be an early warning sign of poor oral hygiene or other underlying health issues, making regular checkups crucial for early detection and prevention.
• Tender Gums: Tender gums are a warning sign that needs attention; addressing the issue early can help avoid costly and painful dental treatments later.
• Dental Disorders: Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing many dental disorders, significantly reducing your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other 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. Sherwood DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Amalgam Dental Fillings: By filling cavities with amalgam, we prevent the spread of decay and maintain the structural integrity of your teeth, safeguarding your long-term oral health.
• Cosmetic Procedure: While primarily aesthetic, cosmetic dentistry can sometimes uncover underlying dental issues during the process, leading to early intervention.
• 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 Crown: To safeguard your oral health, a dental crown can be used to strengthen a weakened tooth, preventing future infection or the need for more extensive dental work.
• Dental Hygiene Services: Maintain optimal oral hygiene and prevent costly dental work down the line with routine dental hygiene services—a small investment with huge returns for your smile.
• Dental Implant: Investing in a dental implant is a proactive step in preserving your facial structure and preventing the common issues related to missing teeth.
• Root Canal: Protecting your overall oral health, a root canal treatment addresses severe tooth decay or injury, relieving pain and preventing the need for an extraction.
• Teeth Whitening: Enhance your oral hygiene routine with teeth whitening, helping you maintain a healthy, attractive smile for years to come.
• Tooth-Conserving Dentistry: This approach involves careful examinations and minimally invasive treatments to identify and address cavities, gum disease, and other issues before they worsen, saving your teeth.

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. Sherwood 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:

• A patient noticed a persistent bad taste and, following a preventive dentistry consultation, identified and addressed an early stage cavity. This proactive approach prevented further oral health complications and maintained their confident smile.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient proactively identified and addressed swollen gums, preventing the progression to more serious gum disease and maintaining a healthy smile.
• Recognizing the early signs of inflamed gums, a patient proactively implemented a diligent oral hygiene routine, successfully preventing gingivitis and maintaining a healthy smile. This proactive approach ensured their long-term oral health and overall well-being.

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. Sherwood DDS:

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

At Dr. Sherwood DDS, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows our team to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, detect 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?

Oral health is intricately linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or 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 essential for maintaining not only a healthy mouth but also a healthy body.

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

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Sherwood 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.

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

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using extremely low levels of radiation. They allow Dr. Sherwood DDS to see issues like cavities between teeth, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

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 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 surrounding teeth.

3850 S Osprey Ave
Sarasota FL 34239
Phone: (941) 952-1790

Dr. Sherwood West, 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): 1952471690

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. Sherwood 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.