Dr. Vernon Meeks, DMD

Dr. Vernon Meeks, 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, he practices at his clinic in Eustis, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His focus on prevention is central to his 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 is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health and well-being. He serves all ages. Please call (352) 357-7900 to confirm if Dr. Vernon DMD is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Vernon Meeks, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Eustis, FL, providing comprehensive preventive dental care. He recognizes the interconnectedness of oral and systemic health, and his practice emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to maintain optimal well-being. He is dedicated to creating personalized treatment plans that address individual needs, integrating necessary screenings, and equipping patients with the knowledge and tools to actively participate in their own oral health journey. This approach is rooted in evidence-based medicine and a strong commitment to patient education. While Dr. Vernon DMD provides consultations primarily in English, he strives to create a welcoming and informative experience for all patients.

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

• Gum Disease: Managing gum disease effectively prevents tooth loss and other systemic health issues, highlighting the importance of early intervention and consistent oral care.
• Dislocated Jaw: Preventing jaw dislocation involves understanding its risk factors, such as excessive yawning or mouth opening, and taking preventative steps like maintaining good posture and avoiding activities that strain the jaw.
• Cleft Lip: Managing a cleft lip effectively involves a multidisciplinary approach, including surgical repair and speech therapy, to prevent further health challenges.
• Cracked Tooth: Early detection of a cracked tooth through preventive dental care significantly reduces the severity of potential complications and the need for extensive restorative procedures.
• Tooth Abrasion: Early detection of tooth abrasion allows for timely intervention, such as adjusting brushing techniques or using fluoride treatments, minimizing further enamel loss and preventing future problems.
• Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Experiencing clicking in your jaw? This could indicate TMJ issues; seeking professional evaluation helps prevent long-term jaw pain and dysfunction.
• Dental Bone Loss: Protecting your gums and teeth from bone loss is crucial for preventing tooth loss and other oral health complications; proactive care makes a significant difference.

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

• Bone Regeneration Procedure: Protecting your jawbone's health through bone regeneration ensures a strong foundation for your teeth and future dental work.
• Geneva 2000™ Dentures: Replacing missing teeth with Geneva 2000™ Dentures can prevent jawbone deterioration and improve your overall oral health and function.
• Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances: Take proactive steps towards better sleep and oral health with a sleep apnea oral appliance assessment, which helps identify and manage this condition that can impact your breathing and overall well-being.
• Sinus Augmentation: To ensure your dental implants are strong and long-lasting, sinus augmentation may be recommended to build up the bone in your upper jaw, preventing complications down the line.
• Non-Extraction Treatment (for Dental Crowding): Protect your teeth and gums from damage caused by overcrowding with non-extraction treatment, preserving natural tooth structure.
• Panoramic and Cephalometric Digital Dental X-Rays: A panoramic and cephalometric X-ray provides a comprehensive view of your teeth and jaw, helping us detect cavities, gum disease, and other potential issues early on for proactive treatment.
• Air Abrasion: Protect your smile's longevity by exploring air abrasion – a precise method for removing decay and surface stains, minimizing the need for more extensive dental work.

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. Vernon 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 consistently attending preventive dental checkups, a patient successfully managed their gum health, significantly reducing their risk of future tooth loss and overall systemic issues. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and a healthy smile for years to come.
• By understanding jaw strain triggers and practicing good posture, a patient proactively reduced their risk of jaw dislocation, gaining confidence in their daily activities.
• A family was relieved to learn that early intervention for cleft lip, including surgical repair and speech therapy, significantly reduced the risk of future complications, providing them with peace of mind and a proactive approach to managing their child's health.

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. Vernon DMD:

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

At Dr. Vernon DMD, we recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This crucial preventive care removes tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, helps detect cavities early, and allows for the screening of gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with meticulous 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 has been 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 oral and overall body health.

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are "caps" that cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after significant damage or decay.

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 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 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 the need for tooth extraction. It's not a painful procedure, but a way to keep your smile healthy.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Vernon DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

980 Mount Homer Rd
Eustis FL 32726
Phone: (352) 357-7900

Dr. Vernon Meeks, 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): 1801919345

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. Vernon 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.