Erika Urgiles

Dr. Erika Urgiles is a Preventive Dentistry specialist deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventive dental care. She practices at Sage Dental of East Fort Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale, 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 dedicated to providing care to all ages, and patients are encouraged to call (954) 641-5610 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Urgiles, a passionate and dedicated pediatric dentist, is committed to providing exceptional dental care to children, ensuring their dental experiences are positive and empowering. She believes in making dentistry a fun and approachable experience, involving young patients in their treatment decisions and respecting their comfort and preferences. As a South Florida native, Dr. Urgiles earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Florida International University and her Doctor of Dental Surgery from New York University, completing a pediatric dentistry specialty at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. This comprehensive training equips her to address the dental health needs of infants, children, adolescents, and those with special healthcare needs. Her approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and centered on creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Erika Urgiles provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Gonorrhea of Pharynx: Untreated gonorrhea in the throat can cause serious complications, making regular STI screenings and prompt treatment vital preventive measures.
• Tooth Abrasion: Tooth abrasion, the wearing away of tooth enamel, can be prevented by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding abrasive toothpastes, protecting your teeth from premature damage and sensitivity.
• Anodontia: Anodontia is the absence of one or more teeth, which, if identified early, can be managed with strategies like dentures or implants to prevent further oral health complications and improve your quality of life.
• Cleidocranial Dysostosis: Early diagnosis of cleidocranial dysostosis allows for timely interventions, such as orthodontic treatment, to improve dental function and prevent long-term complications.
• Broken Tooth: A broken tooth is a sign that preventive measures might need to be adjusted, perhaps strengthening your teeth with improved nutrition or reducing habits that put them at risk.
• Palate Cancer: Managing risk factors like tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption is crucial in preventing palate cancer and maintaining overall oral health.
• Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: Oral hairy leukoplakia is a harmless white patch on your tongue, often linked to the weakened immune system from conditions like HIV, and regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and managing potential complications.

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

• Computer Imaging for Dental Crowns: Take a proactive step towards maintaining your oral health: computer imaging provides a detailed view to help your dentist accurately design and position your crown for optimal results and longevity.
• Gum Graft Surgery: Take a proactive step towards preventing gum disease and tooth loss with gum graft surgery, which restores gum tissue to protect your teeth.
• E4D Dentist® CAD-CAM System: The E4D Dentist® system helps ensure a precise fit and faster treatment for dental restorations, helping you avoid more extensive procedures down the line and maintaining your natural tooth structure.
• Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better gum health with Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy; this innovative treatment helps detect and address periodontal issues early, reducing the need for more extensive procedures.
• Comprehensive Dental Exam: A comprehensive dental exam is a proactive step to detect cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer early, allowing for prompt treatment and better outcomes.
• Dental Filling: A dental filling is a proactive way to repair a cavity and prevent further tooth decay, protecting your smile and overall oral health.
• Pinhole Surgical Technique: For a less invasive approach to treating gum recession and improving gum health, the Pinhole Surgical Technique offers a potential solution to maintaining your oral health.

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. Erika Urgiles 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 proactively scheduling regular STI screenings, a patient ensured early detection and prompt treatment, significantly reducing the risk of complications from untreated throat gonorrhea. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered the patient to maintain excellent overall health.
• By adopting a gentle oral hygiene routine and avoiding harsh toothpastes, a patient successfully prevented tooth abrasion, safeguarding their smile's health and beauty for years to come.
• By scheduling regular checkups and discussing potential solutions, a patient proactively addressed the possibility of anodontia, reducing the risk of future dental complications and gaining 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. Erika Urgiles:

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

Dr. Urgiles recommends seeing a dentist and hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This helps remove tartar buildup that brushing misses, detects cavities early, and screens 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.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation (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.

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.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Erika Urgiles can assess your oral health, determine if you're a good candidate, and offer professional-grade treatments like custom trays or in-office procedures for better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

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 the teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

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.

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. Erika Urgiles to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

Sage Dental of East Fort Lauderdale
6171 N Federal Hwy
Fort Lauderdale FL 33308
Phone: (954) 641-5610

Erika Urgiles 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): 1205420577

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. Erika Urgiles 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.