Dr. Lea Wheeler, DMD

Dr. Lea Wheeler, 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 Lakeland, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her focus on prevention is key; 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 serves all ages. Please call (863) 701-0234 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Lea Wheeler, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Lakeland, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, understanding that preventative care is crucial for well-being. Her dedication to preventive dentistry extends to the entire patient, recognizing the interconnectedness of oral and systemic health. Dr. Lea DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Cleft Palate: Cleft palate, a condition present at birth, can lead to long-term oral health issues if not managed properly, highlighting the importance of regular checkups and early treatment.
• Behçet's Disease: Early detection of oral manifestations of Behçet's Disease through regular dental checkups allows for timely intervention and reduces the risk of severe complications.
• Tongue-Tie: Untreated tongue-tie may lead to speech impediments, difficulty with oral hygiene, and even contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, highlighting the importance of preventive assessment.
• Tooth Attrition: Protecting your teeth from excessive wear and tear through preventative measures such as avoiding hard foods and using a mouthguard helps prevent tooth attrition and maintain your overall oral health.
• Infected Tooth Pulp: An infected tooth pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth, can lead to severe pain and tooth loss if not addressed promptly through preventative dental visits and good oral hygiene.
• Oral Pharyngeal Disorders: Oral pharyngeal disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting the mouth and throat, early detection through regular dental checkups helps prevent serious complications.
• Van der Woude Syndrome: Because Van der Woude syndrome can affect the structure of your mouth, regular dental visits are critical for preventing infection, improving function, and ensuring healthy teeth and 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. Lea DMD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Light Activated Teeth Whitening: Maintain a bright, healthy smile and protect against future discoloration by scheduling a light-activated teeth whitening treatment. It's a safe and effective way to improve your oral health.
• Endodontic Surgery: Early detection of internal tooth damage is vital! Endodontic surgery targets problems within the tooth's root, enabling timely intervention and avoiding more complex or painful dental procedures later.
• Air Abrasion: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with air abrasion; this innovative technique helps remove decay without the need for drills, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
• Nu Radiance® Teeth Whitening: Nu Radiance® Teeth Whitening is a cosmetic procedure that can enhance your smile's appearance, promoting a positive self-image and contributing to better oral hygiene practices.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: Invest in implant-supported dentures for a secure, comfortable, and long-lasting solution to missing teeth, improving your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
• Temporormandibular (TM) Therapy: Early detection of jaw joint issues is key to long-term comfort – TMJ therapy helps in exactly that.
• Orthotic Treatment: Orthotic treatment, like Invisalign or braces, helps straighten your teeth to prevent future dental problems and improve your overall 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. Lea 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 early detection and preventive care, significantly reducing the risk of long-term oral health issues associated with cleft palate. Regular checkups and proactive management provided peace of mind for the family's future.
• Regular dental checkups enabled early detection of oral Behçet's Disease symptoms, allowing for prompt intervention and significantly reducing the risk of future complications. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in managing their health.
• A family was relieved to learn about early intervention options for tongue-tie, which helped their child develop better speech and oral hygiene, reducing potential future problems. Proactive assessment ensured a smoother path for their child's overall oral health.

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. Lea DMD:

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

At Dr. Lea DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows us to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, 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, more importantly, gum disease, which has links to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular preventive dental care is crucial for maintaining optimal body health.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Lea DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from teeth grinding.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Lea can assess your oral health, recommend the best whitening treatment for you, and ensure the procedure is done safely and effectively. Professional-grade treatments, such as custom trays or in-office procedures, provide better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

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. Lea will visually inspect your lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities, as early detection is key to successful treatment.

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 tooth extraction.

4406 S Florida Ave Ste 29
Lakeland FL 33813
Phone: (863) 701-0234

Dr. Lea Wheeler, 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): 1194841239

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. Lea 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.