Dr. Yocasta Pastora, DDS

Dr. Yocasta Pastora, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care at her clinic in Gainesville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the importance of a holistic approach to oral health. 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 serving all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to embark on this proactive health journey. Call (352) 331-4731 to schedule your appointment.

Dr. Yocasta DDS's dedication to preventive care is deeply rooted in her extensive experience. Born and raised in El Sauce, Nicaragua, Dr. Yocasta Pastora received her DDS from the National University of Nicaragua in 1985, followed by a year of invaluable volunteer work in a rural Nicaraguan community. Her commitment to service continued with her subsequent work in the United States, including volunteer work and a career as a dental assistant in the prison system. She established her own practice, Archer Dental, in Gainesville, FL, in 1996, where she has practiced for twenty years. Dr. Yocasta DDS is a member of the Alachua County Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association, and maintains a strong commitment to staying abreast of the latest technological advancements in dentistry. Her approach is deeply personal, driven by a belief in holistic well-being, and guided by the philosophy of "Lord, be with me daily as I practice dentistry..." Dr. Yocasta DDS offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Tooth Damage: Managing existing tooth damage, such as chips or fractures, minimizes the risk of infection, pain, and more extensive damage requiring extensive restorative work.
• Chipped Tooth: Protecting your teeth from chipping through preventive measures like wearing a mouthguard during sports can significantly reduce your risk of future dental problems.
• Cavity: Maintaining good oral hygiene significantly reduces your risk of developing cavities, protecting your smile and contributing to your overall well-being.
• Broken Tooth: Preventing a broken tooth from becoming a bigger problem starts with protecting your teeth from injury through habits like wearing a mouthguard during sports and avoiding hard candies. Early intervention is key.
• Loose Teeth: Experiencing loose teeth? Addressing this early prevents further tooth loss and potential complications, emphasizing the value of proactive dental care.
• Dental Disorders: Addressing dental disorders promptly helps stop minor issues from becoming major health concerns, impacting not only your smile but also your overall well-being.
• Tooth Abrasion: By understanding the risk factors for tooth abrasion, like aggressive brushing or teeth grinding, you can take proactive steps to protect your enamel, reducing the chances of needing restorative treatments later on.
• Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess is a painful infection at the root of a tooth, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention of serious complications.
• Grinding of Teeth: Grinding your teeth, or bruxism, can wear down enamel, leading to cavities and sensitivity—catching it early with a dental check-up prevents major problems.
• Tooth Loss: Managing existing dental problems like gum disease and cavities promptly can help you maintain your natural teeth and avoid the need for tooth replacements.
• Gum Disease: Don't let gum disease put your overall health at risk; proactive steps such as brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups can significantly minimize your chances of developing this preventable condition.
• Toothache: Ignoring a toothache can lead to more serious problems like gum disease or the need for extensive dental work, emphasizing the value of prompt 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. Yocasta DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Teeth Whitening: Take proactive steps to improve your smile's appearance and protect your teeth from future damage with professional teeth whitening.
• Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: Invest in your oral health with an ultrasonic cleaning; this advanced technology helps identify potential issues early, preventing more extensive and costly treatments down the road.
• 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.
• Dental Crown: To safeguard your oral health, a dental crown can be used to strengthen a weakened tooth, preventing future infection or the need for more extensive dental work.
• Composite Fillings: For a healthier, more confident smile, consider composite fillings to repair damaged teeth and prevent more extensive dental work in the future.
• Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Invest in your smile and systemic health with a non-surgical gum treatment, which screens for and helps treat early signs of gum disease, reducing the risk of complications.
• Porcelain Veneers: As a proactive measure for improving your smile and protecting your teeth, porcelain veneers offer a long-term solution to enhance your confidence and maintain healthy teeth.
• Simple Tooth Extractions: Protecting your oral health starts with proactive steps like simple tooth extractions, which eliminate problematic teeth and improve your long-term oral health.
• Dental Onlay: Strengthening a compromised tooth and preventing future complications, a dental onlay serves as a proactive measure in maintaining your overall oral health and preventing tooth loss.
• Restoration of Dental Implants: Regular restoration checks for your dental implants help identify and address any issues early, avoiding more extensive and costly procedures down the line.
• Dental Bonding: As part of your commitment to overall wellness, dental bonding offers a straightforward solution to improve tooth structure and esthetics, thereby reducing the risk of more complex dental issues down the line.
• Root Canal: By addressing severe inflammation and infection within the tooth's root, root canal therapy significantly reduces the risk of painful complications like abscesses and prevents future dental issues.

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. Yocasta 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 minor chips and fractures proactively, a patient avoided the need for extensive dental work and maintained a healthy, pain-free smile.
• By consistently wearing a mouthguard during hockey practice, a young athlete avoided a chipped tooth, preserving their smile and confidence. This proactive approach ensured a healthy and enjoyable sports experience.
• By diligently following a preventive oral hygiene routine, a family significantly reduced their risk of cavities, enjoying a healthy, confident smile and peace of mind.

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. Yocasta DDS:

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

At Dr. Yocasta DDS, we recommend seeing a dentist and hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This crucial preventative care helps remove tartar buildup that brushing alone 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, importantly, gum disease, which is linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is profoundly connected to your overall well-being. 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 optimal oral health and contributing to your overall body health.

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 (molars). 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 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 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. Yocasta DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Yocasta DDS can help manage sleep-disordered breathing. For some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, we 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.

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to enhance 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.

2602 SW 87th Dr # 101
Gainesville FL 32608
Phone: (352) 331-4731

Dr. Yocasta Pastora, 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): 1851508709

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. Yocasta 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.