Dr. Lauren Smolenski, DDS

Dr. Lauren Smolenski, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she operates her clinic in Gainesville, FL, and is committed to serving all ages. 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. Patients should call (352) 273-6741 to confirm if Dr. Lauren DDS is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Lauren Smolenski, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Gainesville, FL, deeply committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. Her approach emphasizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She understands that preventative care is crucial for maintaining optimal oral and overall well-being, and she works diligently to create customized strategies for each patient. This involves a thorough understanding of individual needs and a commitment to educating patients about their oral health, encouraging proactive habits, and ensuring appropriate follow-up care.

Dr. Lauren DDS provides consultations primarily in English. Her practice is focused on preventative dentistry, with a strong emphasis on educating patients about the importance of proactive oral health management. She prioritizes establishing a trusting relationship with each patient, fostering open communication, and providing clear, concise information to help patients make informed decisions about their dental health.

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

• Tooth Abnormalities as Seen in Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk for certain tooth abnormalities; proactive dental care, including regular checkups and good oral hygiene, can help minimize these risks.
• Salivary Gland Cyst: Salivary gland cysts, if left untreated, can cause discomfort and potentially lead to more serious issues, highlighting the significance of preventative dental care.
• Cosmetic Peridontal Problems: Cosmetic periodontal concerns, if left unaddressed, can increase your risk for developing gum disease and other oral health problems.
• Clefting - Ectropion - Conical Teeth: While not directly preventable, managing conditions like clefting, ectropion, and conical teeth through early intervention can significantly reduce associated risks and improve overall oral and systemic health.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease, easily treatable with good oral hygiene, preventing it from progressing to more serious problems.
• Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Catching clicking in your jaw joint early can help avoid severe TMJ problems; schedule an appointment with your dentist to assess and manage it.
• Fibromatosis Gingival-Hypertrichosis: Because fibromatosis gingival-hypertrichosis can affect your ability to clean your teeth effectively, regular checkups and professional cleanings are essential for preventing gum disease.

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

• PerioLase® Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP): Invest in your long-term oral health by choosing LANAP; it's a targeted treatment for gum disease that can help you avoid more invasive procedures.
• Amalgam Dental Fillings: As a proactive step in maintaining your oral health, amalgam fillings help restore damaged teeth and prevent future complications like tooth loss.
• Temporormandibular (TM) Therapy: Early detection of jaw joint issues is key to long-term comfort – TMJ therapy helps in exactly that.
• SureSmile® Dental Braces: Take control of your oral health: SureSmile® braces correct misaligned teeth, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Intraoral Camera: Empower your oral health journey by using an intraoral camera. This tool aids in the early detection of cavities, gum disease, and other oral conditions, ensuring timely and effective intervention.
• In-House Dental Lab Service: By utilizing our in-house lab, we can quickly fabricate essential appliances and restorations, enabling prompt treatment and better overall oral health outcomes.
• Lumineers®: For a brighter, straighter smile without extensive dental work, consider Lumineers; these porcelain shells address cosmetic issues, improving your confidence and maintaining your oral health.

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. Lauren 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 attending regular dental checkups and diligently practicing good oral hygiene, a patient successfully minimized the risk of tooth abnormalities often associated with diabetes, maintaining a healthy and confident smile.
• By proactively scheduling regular dental checkups, a patient detected a potential salivary gland cyst early, minimizing discomfort and avoiding more serious complications. This proactive approach provided significant peace of mind, enabling them to maintain a healthy smile and overall well-being.
• By proactively addressing cosmetic periodontal concerns, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing gum disease and other oral health problems, enjoying a healthy, confident smile for years to come.

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. Lauren DDS:

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

We recommend visiting Dr. Lauren DDS and our dental hygienists every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps remove tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, allowing us to 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 has been 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, or periodontitis, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is crucial for maintaining optimal oral and systemic health.

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.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is an early, reversible stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious stage where the bone supporting your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can arise from various factors, including worn enamel, receding gums exposing tooth roots, or tiny cracks in the teeth. A proper diagnosis by Dr. Lauren DDS is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

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're a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seal out food and plaque, preventing cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

1395 Center Dr Rm D1-18
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 273-6741

Dr. Lauren Smolenski, 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): 1386486405

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. Lauren 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.