Dr. Terry Hagen, DDS

Dr. Terry Hagen, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive dental care. He practices at his clinic in Gainesville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends beyond the immediate concerns of dental health; he views General Preventive Dentistry 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 (352) 331-1004 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Terry DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Gainesville, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He approaches patient care with a focus on preventative strategies, emphasizing the importance of patient education and empowerment. This supportive environment enables patients to take an active role in their long-term health. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Terry DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Sensitive Teeth: Protecting your teeth from sensitivity is key to preserving their long-term health and preventing the need for extensive dental work.
• Tender Gums: Tender gums can be a sign of early gum disease, so addressing them promptly helps prevent more serious problems like tooth loss.
• Canker Sore: Canker sores, though usually harmless, can indicate an underlying issue and should be monitored for persistent or recurring occurrences to prevent potential complications.
• Tooth Malformation: Malformed teeth can be more prone to chipping, cracking, and decay, making preventive care, including regular cleanings and protective sealants, even more crucial.
• Gum Disease: Protecting your gums from disease involves practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings to reduce your risk of gum problems.
• Dental Injury: Preventing dental injuries starts with proactive measures such as avoiding risky activities or using safety equipment, protecting your teeth and gums from harm.
• Dental Trauma: Taking preventive steps like wearing a mouthguard helps safeguard your teeth from trauma, protecting your smile and overall oral health.
• Stained Teeth: While stained teeth may be a cosmetic concern, they can sometimes indicate underlying problems, highlighting the importance of proactive dental care.
• Tooth Loss: Tooth loss can be a sign of underlying gum disease or decay, so proactive dental care is crucial for prevention.
• Tooth Discoloration: Discolored teeth can sometimes indicate more serious conditions, emphasizing the importance of preventive dental care and early detection.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease, easily treatable with good oral hygiene, preventing it from progressing to more serious problems.
• Swollen Gums: Preventing swollen gums starts with diligent brushing and flossing to remove plaque and bacteria, reducing your risk of gum inflammation and infection.

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. Terry 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: Cosmetic dental work can address minor imperfections that might otherwise affect your self-esteem and lead to neglecting dental care.
• Dental Cleaning: Protect your smile and overall health with professional dental cleanings, which screen for early signs of gum disease and cavities.
• Dental Crown: A dental crown is a restorative procedure that protects a weakened or damaged tooth, serving as a proactive measure to prevent further complications and support long-term oral health.
• Dental Hygiene Services: Ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy with regular dental hygiene appointments, allowing for early detection of oral health problems that could impact your overall health.
• 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: As a proactive measure to save your natural tooth, root canal therapy eliminates infection, halting the progression of severe tooth damage and preserving your smile's structure.
• Teeth Whitening: Enhance your oral hygiene routine with teeth whitening, helping you maintain a healthy, attractive smile for years to come.
• Tooth-Conserving Dentistry: By prioritizing tooth-conserving dentistry, you're taking a proactive step to maintain your oral health, avoiding tooth loss and 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. Terry 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 addressing potential sensitivity issues early, a patient enjoyed a comfortable smile and avoided costly future dental procedures. This proactive approach ensured long-term oral health.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully managed tender gums, preventing the onset of more serious gum disease and preserving their healthy smile.
• By addressing potential triggers and practicing good oral hygiene, a patient experienced fewer and less severe canker sores, achieving greater comfort and confidence in their daily life.

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. Terry DDS:

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

For most people, visiting Dr. Terry DDS and our dental hygienists every six months is recommended. This schedule 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 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 can be linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is deeply connected to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining good overall body 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 sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seals 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 adjacent teeth.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Terry DDS can help some patients with 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 for eligible patients.

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 tooth extraction. It's a common and effective way to preserve your smile.

6110 NW 1st Pl
Gainesville FL 32607
Phone: (352) 331-1004

Dr. Terry Hagen, 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): 1194043737

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. Terry 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.