Dr. Clara Harvey, DMD

Dr. Clara Harvey, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Lake City, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her commitment to 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 patients should call (386) 752-2480 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Clara DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Lake City, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health journey. This collaborative approach ensures that preventative dental care is integrated into a holistic wellness plan. Dr. Clara DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Early detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma significantly improves treatment success rates and survival, highlighting the importance of proactive oral health screenings.
• Oral Cancer: Don't underestimate the importance of routine dental visits for oral cancer prevention. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment and preventing serious complications.
• 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.
• Vincent's Disease: By practicing good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental cleanings, you can prevent or manage Vincent's disease, minimizing discomfort and avoiding potential long-term health problems.
• Tooth and Nail Syndrome: Regular dental visits are essential, even if you don't experience symptoms, as they can identify any potential oral health issues linked to Tooth and Nail Syndrome.
• Excessive Tooth Wear: Excessive tooth wear is a preventable condition if addressed early; proactive measures like adjusting habits and using protective mouthguards can safeguard your teeth for years to come.
• Impacted Teeth: To avoid potential pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth, preventative dental checkups are essential for the early detection and management of impacted teeth.

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

• Pre-Operative Examination for Dental Surgery: A pre-operative dental exam helps your dentist identify any potential issues that could complicate your upcoming dental surgery, ensuring a smoother and safer procedure.
• Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®): For those with gum disease, LANAP® is a minimally invasive treatment that encourages gum tissue regeneration, potentially avoiding the need for more extensive procedures.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Recording: For a comprehensive oral health assessment, a TMJ recording helps identify potential issues in your jaw joint, ensuring that your dentist addresses all aspects of your oral and facial health.
• Full Mouth Rehabilitation: Full mouth rehabilitation is a comprehensive approach to restoring your oral health, identifying and addressing any issues to prevent future problems like cavities and gum disease.
• Preparation for Alveolar Cleft Repair: This preparation helps your oral surgeon plan the best approach to repair a cleft in your jaw, minimizing risks and improving the long-term health of your mouth and teeth.
• Osseous Surgery: Osseous surgery is a procedure that reshapes or reconstructs your jawbone to address gum disease or prepare for dental implants, helping prevent further bone loss and improve oral health.
• Ridge Modification Deformitie: Maintaining a healthy jawbone is vital for your long-term oral health. We'll use screenings to catch any changes that could impact your teeth or future 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. Clara 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 diligently attending regular oral screenings, a patient identified and addressed precancerous changes, significantly reducing their risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By attending regular checkups and screenings, a patient was able to identify and address a precancerous lesion early, significantly reducing their risk of developing oral cancer and gaining peace of mind.
• By diligently following a preventive dentistry plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of cavities, ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles and avoiding more extensive dental work.

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. Clara DMD:

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

At Dr. Clara DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows us to remove tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, detect 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, more importantly, gum disease, which is linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is crucial for maintaining optimal oral and overall body health.

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.

Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using extremely low levels of radiation. They allow Dr. Clara to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral 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. Clara DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard, to prevent damage from grinding.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

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

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the modern gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots, which are then topped with a natural-looking crown. This method helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding teeth.

255 SW Main Blvd
Lake City FL 32025
Phone: (386) 752-2480

Dr. Clara Harvey, 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): 1346970738

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. Clara 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.