Dr. Courtney Fridella, DMD

Dr. Courtney Fridella, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. She practices at Smiles at Lakewood Ranch in Lakewood Ranch, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under 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 is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Courtney DMD welcomes all ages to begin their proactive health journey and encourages you to call (941) 280-3930 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Courtney Fridella, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Lakewood Ranch, FL, accepting new patients. Her focus on preventive dentistry extends beyond the immediate concerns of cavities and gum disease, encompassing the broader picture of systemic health. She understands the importance of proactive care in maintaining optimal oral and overall well-being for all ages. This approach emphasizes personalized plans, necessary screenings, and a commitment to empowering patients to be active participants in their health journey. Dr. Courtney DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Halitosis: Early detection and treatment of the underlying cause of halitosis are crucial for preventing further damage to your teeth and gums.
• Sensitive Teeth: Experiencing sensitive teeth? Addressing this early can help avoid more serious dental problems like cavities and gum disease.
• Dental Injury: Preventing dental injuries starts with proactive measures such as avoiding risky activities or using safety equipment, protecting your teeth and gums from harm.
• Mouth Conditions: Managing mouth conditions effectively helps protect your teeth, gums, and overall well-being, enhancing your quality of life.
• 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.
• Tooth Damage: Addressing tooth damage promptly prevents complications like gum disease or infection that can affect your overall health, highlighting the importance of preventative dentistry.
• Toothache: Ignoring a toothache can lead to more serious problems like gum disease or the need for extensive dental work, emphasizing the value of prompt treatment.
• Bad Taste in Mouth: Don't ignore a lingering bad taste; it could be a symptom that needs attention to prevent cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
• Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Experiencing clicking in your jaw? This could indicate TMJ issues; seeking professional evaluation helps prevent long-term jaw pain and dysfunction.
• Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess is a painful infection at the root of a tooth, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention of serious complications.
• Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth, even a small one, can be a sign of underlying issues and should be checked by a dentist to prevent infection or further damage.

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. Courtney 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: Invest in your well-being with routine dental cleanings; they're essential for preventing serious oral health issues and promoting good systemic health.
• Dental Crown: To safeguard your oral health, a dental crown can be used to strengthen a weakened tooth, preventing future infection or the need for more extensive dental work.
• 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: Investing in a dental implant is a proactive step in preserving your facial structure and preventing the common issues related to missing teeth.
• Root Canal: Protecting your overall oral health, a root canal treatment addresses severe tooth decay or injury, relieving pain and preventing the need for an extraction.
• Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening is more than just aesthetics; it encourages regular dental checkups, supporting the early detection of oral health concerns.
• Tooth-Conserving Dentistry: This approach involves careful examinations and minimally invasive treatments to identify and address cavities, gum disease, and other issues before they worsen, saving your teeth.

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. Courtney 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 addressing the underlying cause of their halitosis early, a family experienced a significant reduction in bad breath and gained the confidence to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
• By addressing sensitive teeth early with a proactive dental plan, a patient avoided the discomfort and potential for more serious dental problems, enjoying a healthy, confident smile.
• By consistently practicing safe habits and using protective gear during sports, a family felt confident in preventing dental injuries and maintained a healthy 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. Courtney DMD:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Courtney and our dental hygienist every six months is recommended. This allows us to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, detect cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with meticulous 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, or periodontitis, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is therefore essential for maintaining good overall body health.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, receding gums exposing the tooth root, or tiny cracks in the teeth. A proper diagnosis by Dr. Courtney DMD is needed to determine the cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

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

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays use extremely low levels of radiation and are very safe. They allow Dr. Courtney to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible, enabling early intervention and better prevention.

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 helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding teeth.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars). They are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seals out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Courtney can help with mild to moderate sleep apnea. For some patients, she can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open during sleep, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP. Please schedule a consultation to determine if this option is right for you.

Smiles at Lakewood Ranch
14606 State Road 70 E
Lakewood Ranch FL 34202
Phone: (941) 280-3930

Dr. Courtney Fridella, 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): 1609444629

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. Courtney 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.