Dr. Christine Lama, DMD

Dr. Christine Lama, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. She practices at Sandalwood Dental Care in Jacksonville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 605-4102 to schedule.

Dr. Christine DMD's approach to dentistry is deeply rooted in patient education and understanding. She believes in treating the whole person, not just the teeth, and takes the time to get to know each patient's unique needs. This commitment to personalized care extends to explaining dental procedures in non-technical terms, ensuring patients fully grasp their oral health conditions and treatment options. Her goal is to alleviate any fear or anxiety surrounding dental visits, fostering a positive and proactive relationship with her patients. Dr. Christine DMD provides consultations primarily in English. She is fluent in Spanish and continues to expand her language capabilities. A healthy, confident smile never goes out of style, and Dr. Christine DMD is committed to helping patients achieve that goal.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Christine DMD 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. Christine DMD 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. Christine DMD 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:

• Tooth Abscess: Catching and treating gum disease early is essential, as untreated gum disease is a major risk factor for developing a tooth abscess requiring potentially extensive dental treatment.
• Halitosis: Early detection and treatment of the underlying cause of halitosis are crucial for preventing further damage to your teeth and gums.
• Dental Disorders: Dental disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting your teeth and gums, and early detection through regular checkups can prevent serious problems and costly treatments.
• Stained Teeth: Stained teeth can be an early warning sign of poor oral hygiene or other underlying health issues, making regular checkups crucial for early detection and prevention.
• Tooth Malformation: Addressing tooth malformation proactively through dental interventions can prevent future issues such as increased susceptibility to decay, gum disease, and jaw pain, underscoring the importance of managing risk factors.
• Tooth Damage: Early detection of tooth damage through routine dental exams allows for less invasive treatment, preventing further decay and preserving your natural teeth.
• Loose Teeth: Preventing serious dental issues starts with noticing changes like loose teeth. Schedule a visit with your dentist to determine the cause and receive preventive treatment.
• Toothache: Experiencing a toothache? This underscores the importance of consistent oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits to minimize the risk and manage the impact of oral health problems.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums, is a preventable condition; addressing it promptly safeguards your gums and supports overall well-being.
• Grinding of Teeth: Unmanaged teeth grinding can result in cracked teeth, jaw pain, and even headaches; regular dental visits and potential use of a night guard can prevent these complications.
• Dental Trauma: Early detection of dental trauma, even minor injuries, is crucial to prevent infections, nerve damage, and long-term complications.
• Tender Gums: Protecting your gums from tenderness is key to preventing gum disease, which can impact your overall health.

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

• Amalgam Dental Fillings: Amalgam fillings are a durable way to restore teeth damaged by decay, proactively preventing further infection and preserving your natural smile.
• Cosmetic Procedure: Cosmetic dental work can address minor imperfections that might otherwise affect your self-esteem and lead to neglecting dental care.
• Dental Cleaning: Protect your smile and overall health with professional dental cleanings, which screen for early signs of gum disease and cavities.
• Dental Crown: As part of proactive dental care, a crown can help restore a tooth after significant decay or trauma, reducing the risk of tooth loss and maintaining your overall oral health.
• Dental Hygiene Services: Maintain optimal oral hygiene and prevent costly dental work down the line with routine dental hygiene services—a small investment with huge returns for your smile.
• Dental Implant: Securing a dental implant helps prevent jawbone deterioration and improves chewing and speaking capabilities, contributing to overall quality of life.
• Root Canal: As a proactive measure to save your natural tooth, root canal therapy eliminates infection, halting the progression of severe tooth damage and preserving your smile's structure.
• Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening can reveal underlying dental issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of more significant problems.
• Tooth-Conserving Dentistry: Investing in tooth-conserving dentistry means making a smart choice for your long-term oral health, helping prevent future problems and reducing the need for extensive dental work.

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. Christine DMD 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 personalized preventative plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of developing a tooth abscess, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable smile for years to come.
• By addressing the underlying cause of their halitosis early, a patient experienced a significant reduction in bad breath and gained confidence in their oral health. This proactive approach prevented potential future dental problems and ensured a healthier smile.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a family proactively identified and addressed potential dental problems early, significantly reducing the risk of future costly treatments and maintaining a healthy, confident smile.

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. Christine DMD:

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

At Dr. Christine DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps remove tartar buildup that brushing alone 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, importantly, gum disease, which can be linked to other health problems.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is significantly linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, has been connected to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is crucial for maintaining optimal oral and overall health.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Christine DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from teeth grinding.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up. Dr. Christine will visually inspect the lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities, as early detection is key to successful treatment.

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. Christine DMD can help with some cases of snoring or sleep apnea. For eligible patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, she can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open while you sleep, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP.

What is a root canal and why is it needed?

A root canal is a treatment to save a badly infected or damaged tooth. It involves removing the inflamed pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. This procedure relieves pain and prevents the need for tooth extraction.

Sandalwood Dental Care
1795 Kernan Blvd S Unit 101
Jacksonville FL 32246
Phone: (904) 605-4102

Dr. Christine Lama, DMD 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): 1932513017

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. Christine DMD 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.