Dr. Leh-Ha Chew, DDS

Dr. Leh-Ha Chew, DDS 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 Saint Augustine, 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. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, and she serves all ages. Please call (904) 825-5058 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Leh-Ha DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Saint Augustine, FL, dedicated to the prevention and early detection of oral health issues. Her approach emphasizes creating personalized preventative strategies for each patient. She understands that proactive oral care is essential for overall well-being, and she's passionate about helping her patients achieve optimal oral and systemic health through meticulous preventative measures. Dr. Leh-Ha DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Ectopic Eruption: Addressing ectopic eruption early, during routine dental checkups, means preventing potential jaw misalignment, crooked teeth, and difficulties cleaning, all key aspects of preventive dentistry.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Regular dental checkups can help detect oral herpes early, allowing for prompt treatment and minimizing the impact on your oral health.
• Behçet's Disease: Because Behçet's Disease can cause recurrent mouth ulcers, proactive dental care is vital to minimize discomfort and potential long-term damage to your oral tissues.
• Mouth Conditions: Early detection of mouth conditions through regular dental checkups is crucial for preventing complications and preserving your overall health.
• 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.
• Halitosis: Halitosis, or bad breath, can be a sign of underlying oral health issues like gum disease or cavities, so addressing it early helps prevent more serious problems.
• Cherubism: Preventive dental checkups are crucial for early detection of cherubism, allowing for timely intervention and minimizing long-term jawbone deformities.

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

• Hidden Clasp: Properly fitted dentures with hidden clasps help maintain the natural shape of your jaw, supporting your overall oral health.
• Pre-Operative Examination for Dental Surgery: Protecting your overall health, a pre-operative dental exam helps your dentist identify and address any oral health concerns before your surgery, minimizing potential risks and improving outcomes.
• Non-Extraction Treatment (for Dental Crowding): Take a proactive step towards a straighter smile and healthier teeth by exploring non-extraction treatment options for dental crowding.
• VELscope® Vx System: Protect your oral and overall health with the VELscope® Vx System. This advanced screening tool helps your dentist identify abnormalities that may be invisible to the naked eye, enabling timely intervention.
• Simple Tooth Extractions: A simple tooth extraction proactively removes a damaged tooth to prevent infection and maintain the health of your surrounding teeth.
• Laser Maxillary Frenectomy: For optimal oral health, a laser maxillary frenectomy may be recommended to address a tight lip frenulum. This minor procedure can facilitate proper cleaning and reduce the risk of future gum issues and tooth misalignment.
• Cerinate One-Hour™ Permanent Veneer: Enhance the beauty and durability of your teeth with Cerinate One-Hour™ Permanent Veneers, helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile for years to come.

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. Leh-Ha 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 checkups and following the preventive plan, a family was relieved to learn their child's developing teeth were aligning correctly, avoiding potential future orthodontic issues. This proactive approach ensured a healthy, confident smile for the future.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient was able to detect oral herpes early, ensuring prompt treatment and minimizing potential oral health complications. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind regarding their overall health.
• By proactively addressing potential oral complications, a patient with Behçet's Disease experienced significantly reduced mouth ulcer discomfort and maintained excellent oral health, ensuring a higher quality of 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. Leh-Ha DDS:

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

At Dr. Leh-Ha DDS, we recommend seeing your dentist and dental hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps remove tartar buildup that brushing can't reach, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only professional cleanings can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, importantly, gum disease, which can be linked to other health problems.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically 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, including regular checkups and cleanings, is essential for maintaining optimal body health.

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 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 or decay.

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. Leh-Ha DDS is dedicated to providing comfortable and effective root canal therapy.

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.

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 to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

1955 US Highway 1 S Ste 100
Saint Augustine FL 32086
Phone: (904) 825-5058

Dr. Leh-Ha Chew, 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): 1932289873

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. Leh-Ha 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.