Maria Altahona

Dr. Maria Altahona 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 Davie, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her commitment extends beyond the immediate dental concern, recognizing that 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 strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, using evidence-based medicine and collaborative strategies.

Dr. Maria Altahona, a dentistry practitioner in Davie, FL, provides care for all ages. She is committed to the principles of preventive medicine, emphasizing the crucial role of proactive measures in maintaining optimal oral health. Her approach focuses on personalized plans and coordinated screenings, encompassing a holistic understanding of wellness. Patients are encouraged to call (954) 544-8752 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Maria Altahona provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Maria Altahona 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. Maria Altahona 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. Maria Altahona 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 Bone Loss: Early detection of dental bone loss through routine dental visits is key to minimizing further damage and preserving your natural teeth for a lifetime.
• Tooth Decay Caused by Acid Attack: Early detection of acid erosion is key to preventing tooth decay; regular dental checkups help identify and address acid damage before it becomes severe.
• Cataract Dental Syndrome: Preventive dental care is crucial because conditions like Cataract Dental Syndrome, though rare, underscore that oral health is connected to your general health; early detection can help manage associated issues.
• Cavity: Addressing cavities promptly prevents infections, toothaches, and the potential need for extensive and costly dental procedures.
• Cleft Lip: Managing a cleft lip effectively involves a multidisciplinary approach, including surgical repair and speech therapy, to prevent further health challenges.
• Dentin Dysplasia, Coronal: Understanding your risk for coronal dentin dysplasia, a condition affecting tooth structure, is key; proactive dental care can help you mitigate potential problems and prevent future dental issues.
• Fused Mandibular Incisors: Fused mandibular incisors, where two lower front teeth are joined, can sometimes impact proper cleaning and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease if not carefully monitored.

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

• Rotary Endodontics: Protecting your tooth's health is crucial, and rotary endodontics helps detect and treat infections deep within the tooth's root, saving it from further damage.
• Opalescence® Tooth Whitening System: Invest in your smile and well-being with the Opalescence® tooth whitening system – a simple way to improve your oral health and boost your self-esteem.
• Dental Sealant: Take a proactive step towards lifelong oral health with dental sealants; these protective coatings prevent cavities from forming on the grooves of your back teeth.
• Hawley Retainer: To maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment, a Hawley retainer is used to hold your teeth in their corrected positions, preventing relapse and potential future dental issues.
• Broken Dental Appliance: Don't let a broken retainer or bridge compromise your smile and oral hygiene; scheduling a repair ensures the continued effectiveness of your dental work.
• Pediatric Dental Exam: A pediatric dental exam proactively checks your child's teeth and gums for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues, helping prevent future problems.
• Fluoride Varnish: Protecting your smile starts with prevention! Fluoride varnish acts as a shield against harmful acids, minimizing your chances of needing fillings or other procedures.

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. Maria Altahona 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 attending regular dental checkups, a patient proactively identified early signs of potential dental bone loss, significantly reducing the risk of future complications and preserving their beautiful smile. This proactive approach provided peace of mind, knowing their oral health was being meticulously monitored.
• By scheduling regular dental checkups, a patient proactively identified and addressed acid erosion, significantly reducing the risk of future tooth decay and maintaining a healthy smile.
• By proactively scheduling regular dental checkups, a patient was able to identify and address potential oral health concerns early, significantly reducing their risk of developing Cataract Dental Syndrome and maintaining overall 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. Maria Altahona:

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

For most people, visiting Dr. Altahona 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 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 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 oral and overall body health.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Altahona recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for ensuring proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home for future care.

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. Altahona to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention.

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 veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance, while crowns 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.

6221 Robert Ln Apt 403C
Davie FL 33314
Phone: (954) 544-8752

Maria Altahona 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): 1245971746

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. Maria Altahona 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.