Dr. Paul Saari, DDS

Dr. Paul Saari, 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, he practices at his clinic in Lakeland, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to general preventive dentistry extends beyond just teeth; it 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 is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (863) 644-7513 to schedule.

Dr. Paul Saari, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Lakeland, FL, and a strong advocate for preventative care. His approach to dentistry is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, emphasizing a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He understands that preventative measures are crucial for a lifetime of well-being, and he is committed to providing personalized strategies for each patient. He is focused on building relationships with patients of all ages, understanding their unique needs, and working together to achieve their oral health goals. Dr. Paul DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Dislocated Jaw: Early intervention for jaw dislocation, such as immediate medical attention, can significantly reduce the risk of further injury and complications including chronic pain and limited jaw movement.
• Tooth and Nail Syndrome: Because Tooth and Nail Syndrome can sometimes manifest in oral health issues, proactive dental care is vital for minimizing potential risks.
• Tongue-Tie: Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where a short frenulum limits tongue movement, potentially affecting speech, breastfeeding, and oral hygiene, making early diagnosis crucial for preventive care.
• Protruding Front Teeth: Preventing complications from protruding front teeth, like abnormal wear and tear or gum recession, is best achieved through proactive dental care.
• Gum Cancer: By addressing risk factors like tobacco use and limiting alcohol consumption, along with regular dental check-ups, you can proactively reduce your chances of developing gum cancer.
• Gingival Fibrosis: Gingival fibrosis is a thickening of the gum tissue, often a sign of long-term gum disease, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention of more serious complications.
• Swollen Gums: Noticeable gum swelling warrants a visit to your dentist; early intervention can often reverse the condition and maintain good oral health.

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

• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular oral cancer screenings are a vital part of comprehensive preventative care, enabling early diagnosis and improving treatment outcomes.
• da Vinci® Veneers: Invest in the health and beauty of your smile with da Vinci® Veneers, offering a long-term solution for improved aesthetics and oral health.
• Permanent Retainer: A permanent retainer helps keep your teeth straight after orthodontic treatment, preventing them from shifting and ensuring a healthy, long-lasting smile.
• Sinus Augmentation: To ensure your dental implants are strong and long-lasting, sinus augmentation may be recommended to build up the bone in your upper jaw, preventing complications down the line.
• Crown Lengthening: Crown lengthening is a procedure that can improve the appearance of your teeth and make them easier to restore, ensuring a healthy and long-lasting smile.
• Jaw Surgery: To maintain optimal oral health, consider jaw surgery as a way to address structural abnormalities that could increase your risk of developing gum disease or cavities.
• Invisalign Teen®: Take control of your oral health journey with Invisalign Teen®: it helps prevent future dental problems by correcting misaligned teeth that can trap food and bacteria.

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. Paul 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 understanding the early warning signs of jaw dislocation and proactively addressing them, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future pain and limited jaw movement. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy a worry-free and comfortable daily life.
• By scheduling regular dental checkups and following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a family proactively managed potential oral health issues associated with Tooth and Nail Syndrome, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their overall well-being.
• A family was relieved to learn that early detection of potential tongue-tie issues, thanks to proactive preventive dentistry, allowed for timely intervention, improving their child's oral development and overall well-being. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and a foundation for a healthy future.

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. Paul DDS:

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

At Dr. Paul DDS, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows our dental hygienists 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 excellent home care, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, importantly, gum disease, which is 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 is essential for maintaining good overall body health.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Paul DDS can help manage sleep-disordered breathing. For some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, we can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open while you sleep. This is a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.

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 seal out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

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 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.

5050 S Lakeland Dr
Lakeland FL 33813
Phone: (863) 644-7513

Dr. Paul Saari, 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): 1770591067

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. Paul 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.