Dr. Stephanie Acevedo-Decandis, DMD

Dr. Stephanie Acevedo-Decandis, 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 Jacksonville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her commitment to 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. She serves all ages and 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. To inquire about new patient appointments, please call (904) 751-1274.

Dr. Stephanie DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Jacksonville, FL, committed to providing exceptional preventative dental care. Her approach emphasizes the importance of early intervention and personalized strategies to maintain optimal oral health, recognizing the crucial link between oral and systemic well-being. She is deeply invested in creating a welcoming and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and actively participating in their care. Dr. Stephanie DMD offers consultations in Dutch.

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

• Bad Taste in Mouth: Experiencing a bad taste? Addressing this early can prevent more extensive dental problems and protect your overall health, since oral health impacts your whole body.
• Hypodontia: Since hypodontia affects tooth alignment and function, addressing missing teeth early, through proactive dental care, minimizes the risk of future dental health problems and helps maintain overall oral health.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: With Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, teeth are more prone to damage, so consistent dental visits and preventive measures are essential to maintain oral health and prevent serious problems.
• Burning Mouth Syndrome: Burning mouth syndrome is a chronic condition causing a burning sensation in the mouth, and early detection through regular dental checkups can help manage discomfort and prevent potential complications.
• Chronic Periodontitis: Chronic periodontitis is a serious gum infection that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and may even impact your overall health, so regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and prevention.
• Oral Lichenoid Lesions: Preventing complications from oral lichenoid lesions starts with understanding they are chronic mouth sores requiring monitoring; regular dental visits ensure early identification and management of any potential problems.
• Loose Teeth: Loose teeth can be a sign of underlying gum disease or bone loss, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and preventive treatment.

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

• DEXIS® Platinum Digital Radiography System: Empower yourself with detailed dental images, helping your dentist detect subtle signs of cavities, gum disease, or other issues through advanced digital X-ray technology, leading to timely treatment and better outcomes.
• Orthodontic Management of Distraction Osteogenesis: Distraction osteogenesis uses orthodontic techniques to help rebuild jawbone, preventing future dental problems and improving facial structure.
• Dental Filling: Protecting your teeth from further damage, a filling acts as a barrier, preventing the spread of decay and preserving your natural tooth structure.
• Retainer Therapy: Retainer therapy is crucial for maintaining the stability of your teeth and gums after braces or aligners, preventing future orthodontic problems and supporting overall oral health.
• Dental X-Ray: Protecting your smile starts with a dental X-ray; this low-dose imaging helps find cavities, infections, and bone loss before they cause you pain, saving you time and money on extensive treatment later.
• Dentofacial Anomalies: Prevent potential problems with jaw growth and bite alignment by proactively seeking evaluation and treatment for dentofacial anomalies.
• Endodontic Treatment: Endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy, helps save your natural tooth by addressing infection or damage within the tooth's root, preventing tooth loss and potential future 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. Stephanie 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 addressing a persistent bad taste early with professional guidance, a patient avoided more serious dental issues and enjoyed a renewed sense of oral well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential hypodontia concerns with regular dental checkups, a family gained peace of mind, knowing their child's oral health was being carefully monitored, minimizing future dental issues.
• By attending regular dental checkups and following a proactive preventive plan, a young patient with Dentinogenesis Imperfecta maintained healthy teeth and avoided more serious dental issues. This proactive approach provided the patient 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. 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. Stephanie DMD:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Stephanie DMD and our dental hygienist every six months is recommended. This allows us to 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 brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and 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 significantly 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 optimal oral health and contributing to your overall body health.

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. Stephanie to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

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

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Stephanie DMD can help with snoring and some mild to moderate sleep apnea. For eligible patients, she can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open while you sleep, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP.

3615 DuPont Ave Ste 200
Jacksonville FL 32217
Phone: (904) 751-1274

Dr. Stephanie Acevedo-Decandis, 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): 1962797498

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. Stephanie 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.