Patricia O'Connor

Patricia O'Connor is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. She practices at her clinic in Miami, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her commitment to preventive care extends beyond the immediate oral cavity, recognizing the interconnectedness of oral and systemic 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 collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Patricia O'Connor, a dentistry practitioner in Miami, FL, serves all ages. Her focus is firmly rooted in prevention, recognizing that proactive measures are key to maintaining optimal oral health. This encompasses a wide range of preventative services, from routine checkups and cleanings to personalized strategies for managing risk factors. She understands that each patient's needs are unique and that a collaborative approach yields the best outcomes. Patients should call (786) 354-1931 to confirm whether she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Patricia O'Connor provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Patricia O'Connor 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. Patricia O'Connor 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. Patricia O'Connor 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:

• Hunter Glossitis: Hunter glossitis is an inflammation of the tongue that, if caught early, can prevent more serious oral health problems.
• Overjet: A significant overjet can make it harder to properly clean your teeth, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease; regular dental visits are crucial for early identification and treatment.
• Salivary Gland Stones and Inflammation: Regular dental visits allow for early identification of salivary gland stones and inflammation, helping to prevent more extensive procedures and discomfort.
• Toothache: Managing toothaches effectively through preventive dental care, including proper brushing and flossing, significantly reduces the risk of future dental issues.
• Gingival Fibromatosis: Overgrowth of gum tissue, known as gingival fibromatosis, can be monitored through regular dental visits, helping to prevent problems like gum disease and difficulty cleaning teeth.
• Cavity: A cavity, or tooth decay, is a hole in your tooth caused by bacteria, and preventing them starts with good oral hygiene to avoid more serious dental problems.
• Gingivostomatitis: By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing gingivostomatitis and its associated discomfort.

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. Patricia O'Connor offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Traumatic Dental Injury Treatment: Taking proactive steps to treat traumatic dental injuries helps prevent long-term tooth damage and ensures your smile stays healthy.
• Tooth-Conserving Dentistry: Protecting your natural teeth is key to your overall health, and tooth-conserving dentistry provides the necessary preventive and restorative care to achieve that.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Recording: Maintaining optimal bite and jaw function is key to overall wellness. A TMJ recording allows your dentist to proactively screen for and address temporomandibular joint disorders that could lead to pain and discomfort.
• Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: An ultrasonic dental cleaning provides a deep clean, removing stubborn plaque and tartar that contribute to cavities and gum disease, helping you stay ahead of potential problems.
• Oral Sedation: For procedures that might cause anxiety, oral sedation provides relaxation and comfort, ensuring you receive the necessary preventive care for optimal oral health.
• Oral Surgical Procedures: As part of your proactive dental care plan, oral surgical procedures can diagnose and treat conditions such as cysts or tumors, helping catch potential problems early.
• Pocket Depth Measurement: Regular pocket depth measurements are a simple way to monitor your gum health and help your dentist catch gum disease early, allowing for timely treatment and better long-term 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. Patricia O'Connor 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 checkups and following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully avoided developing Hunter Glossitis, ensuring a healthy and confident smile.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient proactively managed their overjet, reducing the risk of future dental problems and maintaining a healthy smile. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and confidence in their oral health.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient was able to identify and address early signs of salivary gland stones and inflammation, preventing more extensive procedures and discomfort in the future. This proactive approach ensured a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle.

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. Patricia O'Connor:

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

For most patients, a visit to Dr. O'Connor and our dental hygienist every six months is recommended. This helps 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 that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, significantly, gum disease, which has links to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is intricately linked to your overall well-being. 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 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.

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. Crowns, on the other hand, are "caps" that cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after significant damage or decay.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. O'Connor can help with snoring and some cases of sleep apnea. For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, she can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep your airway open while you sleep. This is a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.

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. Patricia O'Connor is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

1530 SW 124th Pl
Miami FL 33184
Phone: (786) 354-1931

Patricia O'Connor 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): 1174053110

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. Patricia O'Connor 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.