Dr. Robert Harvey, DDS

Dr. Robert Harvey, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Lake City, 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. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Robert DDS serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (386) 752-2336 to schedule.

Dr. Robert Harvey, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Lake City, FL. He is accepting new patients. His practice prioritizes prevention, focusing on developing strategies to maintain optimal oral health. This approach includes personalized plans, preventative measures, and necessary screenings to address potential issues before they become more serious. Understanding that oral health is intrinsically linked to overall wellness, Dr. Robert DDS strives to create a holistic care plan for each patient. He is committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based care in a supportive and empowering environment. Dr. Robert DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Sensitive Teeth: Protecting your teeth from sensitivity is key to preserving their long-term health and preventing the need for extensive dental work.
• Crouzon Syndrome: Crouzon syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting skull and facial development, often requiring early intervention to manage its effects on the teeth and jaws, reducing future dental problems.
• Dentin Dysplasia - Sclerotic Bones: Dentin dysplasia is a rare condition affecting tooth development, and early detection through regular dental checkups can help manage potential complications and prevent further issues.
• Receded Lower Jaw: A receding lower jaw can be a sign of underlying gum disease or bone loss, highlighting the importance of regular dental check-ups for early intervention and management.
• Tooth and Nail Syndrome: Managing any associated health issues linked to Tooth and Nail Syndrome is crucial for preventing further damage to your teeth and gums.
• Bad Taste in Mouth: Experiencing a bad taste? Addressing this early can prevent more extensive dental problems and protect your overall health, since oral health impacts your whole body.
• Overjet: An overjet, or an overbite, is when your upper front teeth stick out significantly beyond your lower teeth, and early detection can help prevent future jaw or tooth problems.

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

• Laser Lingual Frenectomy: A laser lingual frenectomy is a simple procedure that can improve tongue mobility, making it easier to clean your teeth and potentially preventing speech impediments or gum disease.
• Root Planing: Root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that helps remove harmful bacteria and plaque buildup beneath the gum line, preventing gum disease and improving your overall oral health.
• DEXIS® Platinum Digital Radiography System: Ensure your dental health is in excellent shape with detailed digital X-rays, which provide a clear picture of your teeth and gums, allowing for early detection of cavities and gum disease.
• Preventive Dental Care: Proactive preventive dental care means regular visits for checkups and cleanings to catch and treat problems early, safeguarding your oral health and contributing to your overall wellness.
• Endodontic Retreatment: As part of your commitment to overall wellness, endodontic retreatment helps resolve problems that can arise after a previous root canal, relieving pain and preventing further issues.
• Computer Imaging for Dental Crowns: Before placing a dental crown, computer imaging allows your dentist to visualize the exact fit and placement, ensuring a natural-looking and long-lasting restoration.
• Empress® Restoration: Invest in the longevity of your teeth with Empress® restorations. They are a reliable solution for repairing damaged teeth, helping to prevent future decay and gum disease.

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. Robert 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 addressing potential sensitivity issues early, a patient avoided more extensive dental procedures and maintained a healthy, confident smile.
• By proactively addressing potential dental issues related to Crouzon syndrome, a family gained peace of mind, knowing their child's oral health was being meticulously monitored and managed from an early age. This proactive approach minimized future dental problems and maximized their child's long-term oral well-being.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient proactively managed their dentin dysplasia, reducing the risk of future complications and gaining peace of mind about their oral health.

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. Robert DDS:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Robert DDS and our dental hygienists every six months is recommended. 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 is crucial for preventing cavities and, importantly, gum disease, which has been linked to various health problems, including heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is directly linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is therefore crucial for maintaining optimal health throughout your body.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Robert DDS can help some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. For these patients, a custom-fitted oral appliance worn at night can help keep the airway open, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP. We can discuss if this option is right for you during a consultation.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Robert DDS recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for ensuring proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home for the future.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

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

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 the teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using extremely low levels of radiation. They allow Dr. Robert DDS to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and preventing more serious problems.

1788 SW Barnett Way
Lake City FL 32025
Phone: (386) 752-2336

Dr. Robert Harvey, 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): 1447350962

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. Robert 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.