Dr. Lamar Hatcher Jr, DDS

Dr. Lamar Hatcher Jr, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care at his clinic in Gainesville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he understands the vital link between oral health and overall well-being. 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 (352) 378-2935 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Lamar Hatcher Jr, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Gainesville, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. He believes in creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His practice emphasizes the importance of preventative measures, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to maintain optimal oral health. He is dedicated to providing the highest quality care, focusing on creating personalized treatment plans tailored to your individual needs. Dr. Lamar DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Tartar Buildup: Tartar buildup, a hard deposit on teeth, is a major risk factor for gum disease and cavities, so regular brushing and professional cleanings are essential for prevention.
• Tooth Malformation: Malformed teeth can be more prone to chipping, cracking, and decay, making preventive care, including regular cleanings and protective sealants, even more crucial.
• Cleft Palate: Regular dental check-ups are crucial for individuals with cleft palate, helping prevent secondary infections and ensuring proper management of any associated dental abnormalities.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: Regular check-ups are key for managing Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, a condition that impacts tooth strength and can lead to complications if left unaddressed; early intervention often means better outcomes.
• Gingival Fibromatosis - Facial Dysmorphism: Gingival fibromatosis, characterized by overgrown gums and sometimes linked to facial features, highlights the need for preventive dental care and early intervention to avoid difficulties in daily activities such as eating and speaking.
• Cherubism: Cherubism is a genetic condition affecting jawbone growth, and understanding its potential impact on teeth and oral function allows for appropriate preventive care and management strategies.
• 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.

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

• STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System™: The STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System™ enables more comfortable and precise dental procedures, helping you maintain good oral health and prevent larger, more complex issues from developing.
• Oral Soft Tissue Assessment: Make your oral health a priority with a comprehensive oral soft tissue assessment. This examination helps detect early warning signs of gum disease, oral cancer, and other potentially serious conditions.
• Porcelain Dental Braces: Enhance your oral health and boost your confidence with porcelain braces – a sophisticated orthodontic solution that straightens teeth and improves bite alignment for better overall health.
• Orthodontic Treatment, Adolescent: Addressing crooked teeth and bite problems during adolescence through orthodontics can prevent more serious dental issues and improve your overall oral health for years to come.
• Dental X-Ray: Ensure your teeth and gums are healthy with a dental X-ray. This valuable diagnostic tool helps your dentist screen for decay, gum disease, and other potential problems, preventing more serious and costly treatments down the road.
• da Vinci® Veneers: Take charge of your smile's health and appearance with da Vinci® Veneers – a cosmetic solution that can also prevent future dental issues.
• Replacing Several Teeth: Proactively replacing missing teeth helps maintain proper chewing function, prevents jawbone deterioration, and improves your confidence.

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. Lamar DDS 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 scheduling regular dental cleanings, a family proactively managed tartar buildup, significantly reducing their risk of gum disease and cavities and enjoying a healthier smile.
• Recognizing the potential for malformed teeth to be more susceptible to damage, a family proactively implemented a preventive dental care plan, reducing the risk of future problems and gaining peace of mind. Regular check-ups and protective sealants empowered them to confidently maintain healthy smiles for years to come.
• By attending regular dental check-ups, a family proactively managed potential dental issues associated with cleft palate, ensuring a healthy and confident smile for their child. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and allowed for early intervention when needed.

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. Lamar DDS:

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

At Dr. Lamar DDS, we recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This helps 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 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?

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

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Lamar DDS 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.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Lamar DDS 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.

What is a root canal and why is it needed?

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

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.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Lamar DDS can help some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. We can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep your airway open while you sleep, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.

2845 NW 41st St
Gainesville FL 32606
Phone: (352) 378-2935

Dr. Lamar Hatcher Jr, DDS 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): 1710075353

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. Lamar DDS 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.