Dr. Craig Lazenby, DMD

Dr. Craig Lazenby, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Destin, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to preventive care extends beyond the immediate oral cavity, recognizing the interconnectedness of oral and systemic health. 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. He serves all ages, and patients should call (850) 988-1777 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Craig Lazenby, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Destin, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care. He believes in empowering patients to actively participate in their health journey. His practice fosters a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions and understanding their treatment options. This approach emphasizes long-term well-being and the prevention of future dental issues. He prioritizes a personalized plan for every patient, ensuring that their individual needs are met, and that the best, most effective preventative measures are put into place. Dr. Craig DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Canker Sore: While most canker sores heal on their own, paying attention to their frequency and severity helps identify potential nutritional deficiencies or stress factors impacting your oral health.
• Tooth Loss: Preventing tooth loss starts with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene to catch problems early and avoid major issues down the line.
• Palate Cancer: Regular dental checkups can help identify early signs of palate cancer, enabling timely intervention and preventing the disease from progressing to more advanced and difficult-to-treat stages.
• Gingival Fibromatosis - Unusual Facies - Cafe-Au-Lait Pigmentation - Congenital Skin Telangiectases: Because gingival fibromatosis can be linked to other health concerns, preventive dental care plays a vital role in early detection and management of this condition and its potential complications.
• Chronic Periodontitis: Don't let chronic periodontitis silently damage your mouth: regular dental checkups and diligent brushing and flossing are critical for early identification and management to protect your teeth and gums.
• Dental Trauma: Preventing dental trauma through protective measures like mouthguards during sports can significantly reduce the risk of serious oral health issues and costly treatments.
• Gonorrhea of Pharynx: Practicing safe sex and getting tested regularly can prevent the spread of STIs like gonorrhea in the throat, safeguarding your overall health and well-being.

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

• Empress® Restoration: Empress® restorations offer a beautiful and durable solution for restoring damaged teeth, preventing future problems and improving both the function and aesthetics of your smile.
• Jaw Surgery: As part of a comprehensive oral health plan, jaw surgery can resolve jawbone issues that contribute to long-term dental health challenges.
• Apicoectomy: If a root canal is unsuccessful in resolving a deep tooth infection, an apicoectomy may be recommended to prevent bone loss and further complications.
• Restoration of Dental Implants: Restoring your dental implants ensures their long-term health and prevents future complications, safeguarding your smile and overall well-being.
• Hawley Retainer: After straightening your teeth, a Hawley retainer is a crucial tool for maintaining your beautiful, healthy smile and preventing the need for further orthodontic work.
• Pocket Depth Measurement: To proactively safeguard your gum health, a pocket depth measurement is a quick and painless procedure that identifies potential gum issues before they become major concerns.
• Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances: Ensure restful nights and optimal oral health by considering a sleep apnea oral appliance; this simple intervention can address snoring, improve sleep quality, and promote a healthier lifestyle.

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. Craig 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 understanding the triggers for their canker sores and adopting a proactive oral hygiene routine, a patient significantly reduced the frequency and severity of these painful sores, enjoying a healthier and more comfortable mouth.
• By attending regular dental checkups and diligently practicing good oral hygiene, a patient successfully avoided the need for extensive dental procedures and maintained a healthy, confident smile.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient detected early signs of palate cancer, enabling prompt treatment and significantly reducing the risk of the disease progressing. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in their long-term well-being.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Craig DMD:

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

Dr. Craig DMD recommends seeing a dentist and dental hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This helps prevent tartar buildup, which brushing can't remove, catch 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 professional cleanings can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease, which can be linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is intrinsically linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal oral and overall body health.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

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

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Craig DMD can assess your oral health to ensure you're a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, that provide better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

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. Craig to see issues like cavities between teeth, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Craig DMD recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for ensuring proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home for future care.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

985 Airport Rd
Destin FL 32541
Phone: (850) 988-1777

Dr. Craig Lazenby, 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): 1982270708

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. Craig 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.