Comprehensive Dentist Weston, FL
A comprehensive dentist recognizes the oral-systemic health connection and treats patients in their entirety, taking into account pre-existing conditions, personal needs, and individual risk factors. Oral health can play an important role in your overall well-being. This type of dentist offers a range of services from basic to specialized treatments all in one location.
A comprehensive dentist simplifies the process of maintaining a healthy mouth. Comprehensive dentistry is available at Artful Dentistry & Wellness in Weston and the surrounding area. Call us at (954) 526-2266 to schedule an appointment with our total health dentist.
Benefits of a Comprehensive Dentist
A comprehensive dentist offers several benefits to patients. Instead of just going to bi-annual checkups, patients' appointments are more of a wellness visit where their total health is considered. A complete health dentist considers the impact treatment will have on other parts of the mouth. If a patient needs a tooth extracted, a comprehensive dentist will look at how removing that tooth will affect the rest of the mouth and plan accordingly.
Complete health dentists also work more collaboratively with their patients. Most patients see a dentist when needed and are not always educated on their condition, how it started, and how to address the root cause. A comprehensive dentist will ensure patients understand everything that is happening with their dental health and how to improve it.
This type of dentist is also a good fit for busy families. Some treatments, such as root canal therapy, can involve appointments with various specialists all scattered around town. A comprehensive dentist offers a wide variety of services under one roof, eliminating the need for referrals or visits to specialists. This saves patients a lot of time.
“A complete health dentist considers the impact a treatment will have on other parts of the mouth.”
Choosing a Comprehensive Dentist
Many people are hesitant to see a comprehensive dentist because they do not know if it will be covered under their insurance. However, comprehensive dental offices operate just as conventional dental offices do. Many practices are covered by various health insurance plans, though some cosmetic and restorative treatments may need to be paid for out-of-pocket. As insurance carriers consider dental coverage to be a non-essential benefit, it is always best for patients to confirm with their insurance company and healthcare provider before making any plans.
As several conditions have direct relationships with oral health, all members of a patient's medical team should have contact with each other. This allows for a more thorough understanding of a patient's total health. However, primary care providers rarely ask a patient about their oral health. With a patient's permission, a comprehensive dentist can alert any relevant healthcare providers about any warning signs indicative of disease and work together to create the best treatment plan for their unique needs.
“With a patient’s permission, a comprehensive dentist can alert any relevant healthcare providers about any warning signs indicative of disease and work together to create the best treatment plan for their unique needs.”
Lifestyle Changes
Comprehensive dentists work with their patients to set realistic goals to improve their overall oral health. Educating patients about any conditions they are experiencing empowers them to make informed choices about their care. Learning about the oral health connection to overall health reinforces that dentistry should be a regular part of their preventative health plan.
Lifestyle changes are an important part of improving oral health. A comprehensive dentist will ask about a patient's daily habits to see if there are any areas of concern. Quitting smoking and other tobacco products along with reducing consumption of alcohol can dramatically improve one's oral health. It is also important to eat a healthy diet full of fruit and vegetables.
Several things can be done to achieve a healthier mouth at home. Of course, it is important to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Flossing daily helps remove plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease. Lastly, routine dental appointments that include examinations and professional cleanings help keep the oral cavity clean and healthy throughout the year.
“Comprehensive dentists work with their patients to set realistic goals to improve their overall oral health.”
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The Mouth and Overall Health
Research has shown a strong oral health connection to overall health. Comprehensive dentistry recognizes this connection and takes an integrated approach to dental care. According to the American Heart Association, adults with gum disease may be at a significantly higher risk for high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to stroke and heart disease.
A comprehensive dentist will conduct a thorough evaluation of the teeth, gums, jaw, and surrounding soft tissue. This includes an analysis of all the risk factors associated with oral health - not just the diseases that can occur when oral health is poor, but also the ones known to contribute to overall dental health, such as diabetes and osteoporosis. By educating patients about the oral health connection, they can dedicate themselves to improving their oral health habits and ultimately reducing their risk for systemic disease.
“Research has shown a strong oral health connection to overall health.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What should I know before choosing a comprehensive dentist?
Q. What are the benefits of a comprehensive dentist?
Q. What lifestyle changes should I make to improve my oral health?
Q. How does oral health affect overall health?
Q. How comprehensive dentists develop a unique plan?
People Also Ask
Q. How does high blood pressure affect dental treatment?
Q. Beyond regular checkups, what additional procedures might a dentist recommend?
Q. What services are offered by a general dentist?
Q. What other body systems are related to heart health?
Q. What emphasis do general dentists place on dental aesthetics?
Developing a Unique Plan
Comprehensive dentists work together with their patients to achieve a healthy mouth baseline. A healthy mouth baseline is a tool used to set goals for patients' oral health. This checklist shows where a patient's oral health currently stands and helps the dentist outline the steps needed to improve this baseline.
The healthy mouth baseline will show the areas that need work. These concerns will provide the basis of a customized treatment plan designed to address a patient's unique needs. The goal is to help patients maintain their overall health by treating and preventing severe dental conditions.
“Comprehensive dentists work together with their patients to achieve a healthy mouth baseline.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can my oral health affect my overall health?
A. Studies suggest oral bacteria and inflammation from severe gum disease can put you at high risk for stroke and heart disease. Conversely, certain diseases such as diabetes can increase your risk for oral health problems. Patients who dedicate themselves to good oral health can also reduce their risk for other health complications.
Q. What can I expect at my first appointment?
A. During your appointment, a comprehensive dentist will ask about your health history and identify any possible risk factors such as tobacco use. The dentist will do a thorough exam of your teeth, gums, jaw, and surrounding soft tissue. Comprehensive dentists will work with you to set realistic goals to improve your oral health and, conversely, your overall health.
Q. What is the healthy mouth baseline?
A. A comprehensive dentist uses the healthy mouth baseline to see where your oral health currently stands. It also identifies areas of concern. It helps set patient goals and develop customized treatment plans.
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Improving your oral health is an integral part of boosting your overall wellness. Our total health dentist at Artful Dentistry & Wellness may be able to help. Call us today at 954-526-2266 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
About our business, license, and website security
- Artful Dentistry & Wellness was established in 2000.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Broward County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Weston, Pembroke Pines, Southwest Ranches, Cooper City, Davie, Sunrise, and Plantation
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