Dr. Jerry Cheesman, DMD

Dr. Jerry Cheesman, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at his 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). 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 is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering an environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Jerry DMD serves all ages. Please call (386) 752-9914 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Jerry Cheesman, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Lake City, FL, dedicated to the prevention and proactive management of oral health issues. His practice focuses on building a strong partnership with each patient, developing personalized strategies to maintain optimal oral hygiene and overall wellness. This approach includes not only routine cleanings and examinations, but also proactive interventions to identify and address potential problems before they escalate. He believes in empowering patients to understand their oral health and actively participate in their care. Dr. Jerry DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Mouth Cancer: Preventing mouth cancer starts with understanding your risk factors, like tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, and making lifestyle changes to minimize them.
• Worn Down Teeth: Preventing further damage from worn teeth requires proactive measures such as adjusting your diet, using a mouthguard, and receiving prompt dental care to avoid irreversible complications like tooth loss.
• Jaw Misalignment Leading to TMJ: Jaw misalignment is a potential risk factor for TMJ; routine dental checkups help dentists identify this early and recommend appropriate management strategies like bite guards or orthodontic treatment.
• Tooth Abrasion: Tooth abrasion, the wearing away of tooth enamel, can be prevented by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding abrasive toothpastes, protecting your teeth from premature damage and sensitivity.
• Cherubism: While cherubism can't be prevented, regular dental visits enable early identification, allowing for proactive management of jawbone growth and minimizing complications.
• Tooth Decay: Regular dental visits for cleaning and fluoride treatments help prevent tooth decay and strengthen your teeth, shielding them from harmful bacteria.
• Malignant Tumor of Gum: Maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, can reduce your risk of developing malignant tumors in your gums.

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

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Recording: Maintaining optimal bite and jaw function is key to overall wellness. A TMJ recording allows your dentist to proactively screen for and address temporomandibular joint disorders that could lead to pain and discomfort.
• Endodontic Treatment: Endodontic treatment is a key procedure for detecting and resolving infections and inflammation deep within a tooth's root, safeguarding your oral health and overall well-being.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: Protect your jawbone and maintain a natural-looking smile with implant-supported dentures; this approach offers superior stability and comfort compared to traditional dentures.
• Fixed Orthodontic Correction: Fixed orthodontic correction helps create a healthy, well-aligned bite, contributing to improved chewing, speech, and overall oral health.
• e.max® Dental Crowns: To prevent further damage to a weakened tooth, an e.max® crown offers strong, natural-looking protection and helps maintain your beautiful smile.
• Clear Retainer: Take a proactive step towards long-term oral health by using a clear retainer to preserve the alignment of your teeth and prevent future dental issues.
• Invisible Dental Braces: Improve your oral health and confidence with invisible braces, a convenient method for achieving a straighter, healthier smile that helps prevent long-term dental complications.

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. Jerry 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 their risk factors and making healthy lifestyle choices, a patient felt empowered to proactively reduce their mouth cancer risk, leading to greater peace of mind.
• By adjusting their diet and using a custom mouthguard, a patient proactively managed their worn teeth, preventing further damage and ensuring long-term oral health.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient identified early signs of jaw misalignment, reducing their risk of developing TMJ issues and ensuring a comfortable, pain-free future. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to make informed decisions about their oral health.

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. Jerry DMD:

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

At Dr. Jerry DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows our dental hygienists to 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, 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 intricately linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal 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. Jerry DMD is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

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.

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. They are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seal out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Jerry 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, for better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

217 NE Franklin St
Lake City FL 32055
Phone: (386) 752-9914

Dr. Jerry Cheesman, 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): 1144759333

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. Jerry 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.