Dr. Willette Shaeffer, DMD

Dr. Willette Shaeffer, 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 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 is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Willette DMD serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. She is a dentistry practitioner in Jacksonville, FL, and accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, please call (904) 642-1139. Dr. Willette DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Dental Tissue Neoplasm: Maintain optimal oral hygiene and attend regular dental checkups to decrease your risk of developing dental tissue neoplasms and to enable prompt diagnosis and management if they do occur.
• Treacher Collins Syndrome: Early identification of oral health problems in individuals with Treacher Collins Syndrome is vital for preventing infections, promoting healthy teeth, and improving overall quality of life.
• Gingival Fibromatosis - Unusual Facies - Cafe-Au-Lait Pigmentation - Congenital Skin Telangiectases: Because gingival fibromatosis can be linked to other health concerns, preventive dental care plays a vital role in early detection and management of this condition and its potential complications.
• Gum Cancer: Gum cancer, while treatable if caught early, is best prevented through regular dental checkups and screenings, which can identify suspicious lesions before they become serious.
• Fused Mandibular Incisors: Addressing fused mandibular incisors through preventive dental care and careful hygiene reduces the likelihood of infection or the need for more extensive dental procedures later on.
• Palate Cancer: Early detection of palate cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes, emphasizing the importance of routine oral exams and self-checks for any suspicious sores or lumps.
• Oral Mucous Membrane Disease: Protecting your mouth's delicate lining is crucial for preventing discomfort and potential infections; regular dental visits help identify and manage oral mucous membrane diseases early.

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

• Non-Surgical Orthodontic Procedures: Improve your bite and reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay by exploring non-surgical options for straightening your teeth.
• All-on-4™ Procedure: The All-on-4™ procedure is a dental implant solution that can replace all your missing teeth, improving chewing and speaking while preventing further jawbone loss.
• Full Mouth Rehabilitation: Full mouth rehabilitation is a comprehensive approach to restoring your oral health, identifying and addressing any issues to prevent future problems like cavities and gum disease.
• Dental Onlay: For lasting oral health, a dental onlay acts as a durable repair, protecting a damaged tooth from further decay or fracture, helping you avoid more extensive and costly dental treatments.
• Halimeter®: Early detection is key to preventing serious oral health issues. A halimeter breath test can help identify problems associated with bad breath, such as periodontal disease.
• Enamel Matrix Derivative Application: Take charge of your oral health with Enamel Matrix Derivative application; it's a preventative measure to rebuild enamel and protect against future tooth decay.
• Wilckodontics® Dental Braces: Wilckodontics® Dental Braces help straighten your teeth to improve your bite, preventing future dental problems and promoting a healthy smile.

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. Willette 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 diligently practicing excellent oral hygiene and attending regular checkups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing dental tissue neoplasms and gained peace of mind knowing their oral health was proactively managed.
• By proactively managing oral health, a family with a child diagnosed with Treacher Collins Syndrome experienced fewer dental infections and enjoyed a more comfortable, positive quality of life.
• By proactively managing their gingival fibromatosis through regular dental checkups, a patient was able to identify and address potential complications early, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and allowed them to focus on other aspects of their well-being.

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. Willette DMD:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Willette DMD and our dental hygienists 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, which only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, importantly, gum disease, which has been linked to other health problems.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is connected to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is thus 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. Willette DMD. We will visually inspect the lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities; early detection is key to successful treatment.

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

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 a tooth extraction. Dr. Willette DMD is committed to providing comfortable and effective root canal therapy.

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 help prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

What is TMJ disorder?

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. Willette can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from teeth grinding.

2711-2 Saint Johns Bluff Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32246
Phone: (904) 642-1139

Dr. Willette Shaeffer, 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): 1336553387

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. Willette 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.