Dr. Susan Cottrell, DMD

Dr. Susan Cottrell, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Defuniak Springs, 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. She 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. She serves all ages and patients should call (850) 951-0200 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Susan Cottrell, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Defuniak Springs, FL, with a strong focus on preventative care. Her practice emphasizes the importance of proactive health management to maintain optimal oral and systemic well-being. She understands that preventive dentistry is a cornerstone of overall health, and she works collaboratively with each patient to develop a tailored approach to their unique needs. This includes not only addressing immediate dental concerns, but also educating patients on preventative measures and promoting long-term oral health. She is dedicated to providing exceptional care in a supportive environment, ensuring that patients feel informed and empowered to actively participate in their health journey. Dr. Susan DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Ectodermal Dysplasia With Natal Teeth, Turnpenny Type: Ectodermal dysplasia with natal teeth, Turnpenny type, is a rare genetic condition affecting tooth development that requires early monitoring and specialized dental care to prevent complications like infection and malocclusion.
• Jaw Cyst: Managing a jaw cyst effectively prevents more serious problems like jawbone weakening and facial deformities, emphasizing the need for prompt dental care.
• 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.
• Tooth Malformation: Certain tooth malformations can impact your ability to properly clean your teeth, raising your risk of cavities and gum disease; regular dental visits for professional cleaning and guidance are essential for prevention.
• Gingival Fibromatosis - Facial Dysmorphism: Gingival fibromatosis, characterized by overgrown gums and sometimes linked to facial features, highlights the need for preventive dental care and early intervention to avoid difficulties in daily activities such as eating and speaking.
• Oral Motor Problems: Early detection of oral motor problems is key to managing potential risks and maintaining your overall oral health, preventing future difficulties eating or speaking.

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

• Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF): For a more natural and effective approach to healing following dental procedures, PRF, created from your own blood, helps regenerate tissue and improves the overall outcome of your treatment.
• Cone Beam 3D Imaging: Ensure your dental treatments are as effective and precise as possible with Cone Beam 3D Imaging; it gives your dentist a clearer view of your unique anatomy, facilitating better care.
• Opalescence® Tooth Whitening System: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with Opalescence® teeth whitening; a brighter smile can be a sign of a healthier mouth.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Recording: Maintaining optimal bite and jaw function is key to overall wellness. A TMJ recording allows your dentist to proactively screen for and address temporomandibular joint disorders that could lead to pain and discomfort.
• DIAGNOdent® Laser Cavity Detection: Early detection of cavities is key to preventing pain and more extensive dental treatments, which is why we offer the advanced DIAGNOdent® laser scan.
• Orthodontic Management of Distraction Osteogenesis: As a proactive step for jawbone reconstruction, orthodontic distraction osteogenesis ensures proper alignment and improves overall oral health.
• SomnoDent® (for Sleep Apnea): SomnoDent® is a screening tool that can help identify sleep apnea early on, allowing for timely intervention and preventing potential health 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. Susan 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 following a personalized preventive dental plan, a family proactively managed the potential dental challenges associated with Treacher Collins Syndrome, ensuring a healthy and comfortable smile for years to come. This proactive approach provided the family with peace of mind and confidence in their long-term oral health.
• A family, proactively managing their child's ectodermal dysplasia with natal teeth, Turnpenny type, through regular dental checkups, experienced significant peace of mind knowing potential complications were being addressed early. This proactive approach allowed for optimal oral health and minimized the risk of future problems.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient proactively managed a jaw cyst, reducing the risk of more serious complications and maintaining optimal oral health. This proactive approach brought peace of mind, allowing them to focus on a healthy lifestyle.

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. Susan DMD:

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

At Dr. Susan DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows our dental hygienists to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, and to catch cavities early. Regular check-ups also screen for gum disease and oral cancer, crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease, which is linked to other health problems, including heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically 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 is essential for maintaining optimal body health.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

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

When should my child first see a dentist?

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

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Susan DMD can help manage sleep-disordered breathing. For some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, she can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open while you sleep. This is a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.

101 Lecom Way
Defuniak Springs FL 32435
Phone: (850) 951-0200

Dr. Susan Cottrell, 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): 1467494427

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. Susan 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.