The Dental Center of Ocala

Ask someone to name their favorite things to do and going to the dentist isn't likely to make the list...

SPECIAL TO OCALA STYLE

Ask someone to name their favorite things to do and going to the dentist isn’t likely to make the list. With this in mind, the doctors and staff at The Dental Center of Ocala continually strive to make it less stressful and more pleasant to take care of your dental needs. Conveniently located on 17th Street, a canopy of sweeping oak trees drapes the building. The setting is serene and tranquil.

The laid back atmosphere continues once inside the offices of the Dental Center, where the doctors and staff prefer an easygoing, relaxed approach to medicine.

"We've worked hard,” says office manager Heather Smith, “to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s comfortable for our patients."

The Dental Center of Ocala is unlike many dental offices where booking an appointment can mean a month-long wait to see a dentist. It has no more than a two-week book-out, and new patients are always welcome.

The Dental Center of Ocala prides itself on being a multi-specialist office, allowing patients the convenience of having all necessary and cosmetic dental procedures completed in one familiar office. The Dental Center is staffed by two general dentists with support from an oral surgeon, a periodontist, and a pedodontist (children’s dentist). Should a routine exam reveal the need for specialty dentistry, you don’t have to consult at an office with new, unfamiliar personnel; instead, you can simply make an appointment with the necessary specialist on staff.

Dr. Eugenio Cava is a general dentist who prides himself on spending quality time with each patient.

"I always knew I wanted to work in the medical field," Dr. Cava says. "My father is a retired medical doctor, so medicine runs in the family."

A former Army dentist, he brings stability and consistency to The Dental Center of Ocala with his positive attitude and unique sense of humor. Dr. Cava and his wife, Lynn, a hygenist with the practice, provide the office with a very family-like atmosphere.

"All of the doctors in our office have the same philosophy," Dr. Cava says. "We all strive to give our patients the proper treatments in a reasonable amount of time."

Dr. Cava acknowledges that he doesn't treat his patients until he's spent time answering their questions and going over their concerns.

"Relieving a patient's anxiety is a big part of my job," he says. "The biggest concern for most dental patients is fear of the unknown. If I spend a little time telling them what to expect, then they're much more comfortable with me and with the procedure."

Dr. Robert Marx, with his calm voice and soft demeanor, agrees with Dr. Cava's sentiment. He too believes in building strong relationships with his patients, enabling himself to better address their dental concerns. Dr. Marx's background is also in the medical/dental field. His father, Robert E. Marx, DDS, is renowned professor of surgery and is chief of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Miami School of Medicine.

Upon an initial meeting with Dr. Cava or Dr. Marx, the doctors will conduct an extensive medical history and determine any treatments that may be needed.

“At this time, we also develop a customized treatment plan and get the patient started on a hygiene schedule, whether that's a regular six-month prophylaxis cleaning or a deep scaling,” Heather says. "Each patient’s needs differ; therefore, each patient is treated and respected as an individual."

For patients who are anxious about needles, one of the latest dental breakthroughs available at The Dental Center of Ocala is Oraqix, a needle-free anesthetic. Besides the fact that there are no needles involved, the beauty of Oraqix is that the numbing results last only 20 minutes. Oraqix is ideal for deep-scaling procedures and for patients with sensitive teeth who need a little help getting through routine cleanings.

While many individuals seek the help of a dentist to remedy medical issues, others are interested in improving the look of their smiles. It’s commonly acknowledged that a beautiful smile can help a person achieve a more confident and happy lifestyle. Dr. Strout, the on-staff periodontist, is often called on to perform procedures such as gum recontouring, tissue grafts, crown lengthening, or dental implants.

“I really like to sit down with my patients one-on-one and explain to them what I’m going to do,” says Dr. Strout. “This way, when they walk out the door, they know exactly what needs to be done and their questions are answered.”

If a patient’s needs extend beyond routine cleanings, the talented, professional staff at The Dental Center of Ocala have you covered. On-staff oral surgeon, Dr. Daniel Atallah receives many orthodontist referrals, as well as referrals for complicated extractions from general dentists and other specialists. He also handles bone grafts, dental implants, and biopsies. Although these procedures may sound intimidating to the patient, they are routine for Dr. Atallah, who is also trained in administering intravenous sedation.

“If the patient is a good candidate for this, they can be sedated for the entire procedure to decrease anxiety and apprehension,” Dr. Atallah explains. “The Dental Center offers a good atmosphere for both the patients and the dentists who work here,” he adds. “And the management staff makes things run smoothly and efficiently. We’re a great team and all work together.”

That great team at The Dental Center of Ocala can also offer options for teeth whitening including ZOOM, a convenient two-hour, chairside procedure. For a less expensive option, a take-home whitening system is also available.

The Dental Center hasn’t forgotten about its youngest patients either, especially when a routine checkup can often be perceived as a scary experience. Because of these concerns, the Dental Center of Ocala employs Dr. Judith Lim, a board-certified pedodontist who is well-versed in dental procedures for young patients. With a loving and gentle touch, Dr. Lim will make your child’s first trip to the dentist a positive one, eliminating the trauma and fear that can accompany future appointments.

It’s this type of compassionate, convenient care that patients of The Dental Center of Ocala can expect from each dentist and staff member. No matter what your dental needs may be -- from the complex to the routine -- the staff will provide you and your family with the best possible dental care available. Patients have come to expect high-tech, state-of-the-art procedures done in a friendly, relaxed environment. At The Dental Center of Ocala, long-lasting relationships are the norm. You’ll arrive as a patient, and leave as a friend.

The Dental Center of Ocala
1500 SE 17th Street
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 629-4666