Convenient Access from Summerfield
Plan on about 21 minutes from Summerfield to Pruitt Dentistry, almost all of it on one highway north. Families and retirees who want a dentist near Summerfield find us in south-central Ocala, where both of our doctors care for kids, parents and grandparents under one roof.
From the Summerfield Post Office on SE 65th Court, take SE 145th Street to US 301 (Nathan Mayo Highway) and go north about 3.4 miles. Where US 301 merges with US 27 and US 441 as Abshier Boulevard, keep north through Belleview and into Ocala for roughly 8.7 more miles. Turn left on SE 32nd Street, right on SE 3rd Avenue (CR 475), then follow SW 1st Avenue and SE 29th Street to 2835 SE 3rd Ct, Ocala, FL 34471. The drive is 13.0 miles door to door.
Along the way you pass through Belleview, and the northern section of The Villages sits just south of Summerfield off the same US 301 corridor. Our office is only a few turns off US 27/301/441, so the last stretch goes quickly once you leave the highway.
One Office for Every Generation in Summerfield
Summerfield is an unincorporated community in Marion County, centered near US 301 and County Road 475A and covering the 34491 and 34492 ZIP codes. Colonel Adam Summer arrived from South Carolina in 1856 and settled here.
The settlement went by Whitesville for a while, named for its postmaster and storekeeper, Charles White. A rail station came in 1887, and by 1888 the community carried Summer's name instead. A post office has served the community since 1885.
Today the community mixes young families with retirees who live near The Villages. That blend is exactly what a family practice is built for. A child's first checkup, a parent's overdue cleaning and a grandparent's denture adjustment can all happen in the same office, with the same team keeping records together.
Our family block appointments make that practical. Instead of three separate trips up US 301, a household can book back to back and head home together. Tuesday through Thursday mornings starting at 8:00 AM tend to work well for this.
What Parents and Grandparents Here Should Watch For
School-age children around Summerfield attend Marion County public schools such as Harbour View Elementary on SE 147th Place and Lake Weir Middle on Sunset Harbor Road. Those are the years when back teeth come in and cavities often start in the deep grooves of the molars. Sealants and fluoride are simple, comfortable protective treatments that sharply reduce that risk.
Accidents happen too, especially with active kids. A chipped or knocked-loose tooth deserves a call right away, because we do our best to see Ocala patients same-day when emergencies happen. Bring any broken piece with you if you can find it.
Teenagers bring different needs, from fillings to a brighter smile before a big event. Tooth-colored composite fillings blend in with natural enamel, so a repair does not leave a dark spot. Digital x-rays give our doctors a clear view below the surface with low radiation.
For older adults, gum health and tooth replacement move to the front. Gums that bleed, recede or feel tender call for a closer look, and dentures or implants become part of the conversation when teeth are lost. Whether you spend your free time out on 5,685-acre Lake Weir or with the grandkids, a comfortable bite makes every meal easier.
Popular Services with a Dentist Near Summerfield
Family Dentistry
Exams, cleanings, digital x-rays, tooth-colored fillings and sealants for kids, all under one roof. Summerfield parents can bring the whole household in during a family block appointment. Gentle care for nervous patients is part of every visit.
Periodontal Cleanings
When gum pockets deepen, a routine polish is not enough. This deep cleaning removes tartar below the gum line and smooths the roots so the gums can heal. It is a common need for adults who have gone a few years between visits.
Dentures
Full, partial and implant-supported dentures are all available here. Dr. Pruitt has a genuine passion for this work and takes care over fit and appearance. For retirees, a well-fitted denture means eating and smiling with confidence again.
Zoom® Teeth Whitening
Choose a professional in-office treatment or custom take-home trays molded to your teeth. Take-home results typically show within one to two weeks. Both use professional-strength gel, and results last longer than over-the-counter options.
Tooth Extractions
Wisdom teeth that come in crooked or stay trapped are a frequent reason young adults need an extraction. Older patients sometimes need a tooth removed after severe decay or a crack below the gum line. Either way, the area is fully numbed and you go home with clear aftercare instructions.
Meet Your Ocala Dental Team
Families from the area can book with Dr. Sydnie Costello or Dr. Patrick Pruitt. After a University of Florida bachelor's degree in 2017, she completed her DMD at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2023 and has treated Ocala patients ever since. Away from the chair she collects antiques and listens to history podcasts.
Insurance & Financing
We accept all major credit cards, cash and checks, and we work with a multitude of insurance providers. Our team processes your claim and shows you a detailed cost breakdown before treatment. For larger work, Cherry offers monthly plans ranging from short-term to extended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Pruitt Dentistry from Summerfield, and how do I get there?
Pruitt Dentistry is 13.0 miles from Summerfield, typically a 21-minute drive. Head north on US 301, which becomes US 27/301/441 through Belleview, then turn onto SE 32nd Street and SE 3rd Avenue. Anyone looking for a dentist near Summerfield can follow that single highway most of the way to our office on SE 3rd Ct in Ocala.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding gums are often an early sign of gum disease, usually caused by plaque and tartar building up along the gum line. Other warning signs include redness, swelling, persistent bad breath or gums that seem to pull away from the teeth. At your exam, our doctors measure the pockets around each tooth. Caught early, gum disease is very manageable.
Can my teenager get tooth-colored fillings instead of silver ones?
Yes. We fill cavities with composite resin that matches the natural color of the tooth, with no silver or metal involved. The repair blends in, so it does not show when your teen laughs or smiles. Adults can also have old silver amalgam fillings replaced with composite to restore both health and appearance.
Do sealants and fluoride really prevent cavities in children?
They help a great deal. Sealants coat the chewing grooves of back teeth, where food and bacteria collect, and fluoride strengthens enamel. Both are quick, comfortable treatments for kids that dramatically reduce the risk of cavities. They work best alongside regular checkups and good brushing at home.
Is professional whitening worth it compared with store-bought strips?
For most people, yes. Professional gels are stronger than anything sold over the counter, and our custom trays keep the gel evenly on your teeth instead of sliding off. Store-bought strips and generic trays can whiten unevenly and increase sensitivity. Your dentist can suggest in-office or take-home whitening based on your goals.
Schedule Your Visit from Summerfield
New and returning patients are welcome. New patients without insurance can start with our $99 cleaning, exam and x-ray, available when no gum disease is present. When you are ready for a dentist near Summerfield, call 352-389-4054, browse our areas we serve, or visit our Dentist Ocala, FL homepage.