Dr. Lara Sackheim, DMD

Dr. Lara Sackheim, 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 Pensacola, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her commitment extends to creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing overall wellness to ensure optimal 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. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Lara DMD provides consultations primarily in English and serves all ages. Please call (850) 476-2602 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Lara Sackheim, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Pensacola, FL, dedicated to preventative care. She believes in empowering patients through proactive, personalized plans for optimal oral and systemic health. Her approach to patient care emphasizes collaboration, evidence-based medicine, and a supportive environment that encourages patient engagement in their own well-being.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Lara 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. Lara 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. Lara 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 or Facial Cleft: While not directly preventable, early detection of oral or facial clefts allows for prompt treatment, reducing long-term health risks and improving the child's potential for healthy growth and development.
• Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: A clicking sound in your jaw joint could be an early sign of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, and addressing it early can prevent more serious problems like pain and jaw limitations.
• Orofacial Pain: Orofacial pain, encompassing pain in your mouth, face, and jaw, can signal underlying issues like gum disease or TMJ problems, making early detection crucial for preventing more serious complications.
• Tooth Demineralization: Early identification of tooth demineralization, the initial stage of tooth decay, allows for timely intervention through improved oral hygiene and professional treatments, preventing significant dental issues in the future.
• 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.
• Tooth Malformation: Tooth malformation, sometimes present from birth or developing later, can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease if not addressed early, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups.
• Jaw Tumor: A jaw tumor is an abnormal growth in the jaw bone that, if detected early, can be treated more effectively, preventing more extensive surgery or other complications.

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

• Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®): LANAP® is a laser procedure that helps regenerate gum tissue, preventing further gum disease and improving overall oral health.
• Pediatric Crown: A pediatric crown acts as a protective cap for your child's vulnerable baby tooth, preventing further decay and maintaining proper jaw development.
• Cerinate One-Hour™ Permanent Veneer: Cerinate One-Hour™ Permanent Veneers provide a long-lasting solution for chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth, contributing to improved oral health and confidence.
• Dental Infection Treatment: Taking care of a dental infection promptly can safeguard you from potential complications like gum disease and jawbone damage.
• Smile Makeovers: Invest in your well-being with a smile makeover – it provides a thorough evaluation of your oral health, enabling early intervention and prevention of major problems.
• Root Planing: Take control of your oral health with root planing—a procedure that addresses gum disease early on, preventing the need for more extensive treatments in the future and supporting overall health.
• Computer-Assisted Surgery (CAS): Protect your smile's long-term health with computer-assisted surgery. This technology assists in more accurate treatment planning, leading to improved results and reduced risks associated with dental procedures.

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. Lara 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:

• A family was reassured by the early detection of potential oral or facial cleft concerns, allowing for prompt intervention and significantly reducing long-term health risks for their child. This proactive approach provided the family with peace of mind and a plan to support their child's healthy development.
• By addressing the clicking sound in their jaw early, a patient was able to avoid more serious TMJ issues and maintain a healthy, pain-free bite.
• By attending regular checkups and following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a family successfully minimized the risk of developing orofacial pain, ensuring a healthier smile and a more comfortable daily life.

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. Lara DMD:

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

At Dr. Lara DMD, we recommend seeing a dentist and dental hygienist every six months for checkups and cleanings. This helps prevent tartar buildup, 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 a professional cleaning can remove. This crucial step prevents cavities and, importantly, gum disease, which is linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Dr. Lara's practice emphasizes the important oral-systemic link. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining overall body health.

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.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Lara DMD can assess your oral health to ensure you're a good candidate and provide professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, for 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. Lara to see issues like cavities between teeth, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better treatment outcomes.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

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

What causes tooth sensitivity?

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

4627 N Davis Hwy Ste B
Pensacola FL 32503
Phone: (850) 476-2602

Dr. Lara Sackheim, 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): 1508097023

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. Lara 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.