Dr. Thai Lam, DMD

Dr. Thai Lam, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends beyond simply treating dental issues; he focuses on prevention as the cornerstone of optimal oral health. 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 serves all ages.

Dr. Thai Lam, DMD, is a dentistry practitioner in Saint Petersburg, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care. He fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term oral health journey. Dr. Thai DMD's dedication to preventive dentistry ensures that you have the tools and knowledge to maintain a healthy smile and overall well-being. To confirm if he is currently accepting new patients, please call (727) 821-6701. Dr. Thai DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Oral Submucous Fibrosis: Oral submucous fibrosis is a chronic condition that can lead to serious mouth problems, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention.
• Craniosynostosis - Arthrogryposis - Cleft Palate: Craniosynostosis, arthrogryposis, and cleft palate are birth defects that, while not directly preventable, can benefit from early detection and management to minimize long-term oral health complications.
• Narrow Oral Fissure - Short Stature - Cone - Shaped Epiphyses: Narrow oral fissures, short stature, and cone-shaped epiphyses can be early signs of a genetic condition that may affect overall health, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups for early intervention and management.
• Tooth Abnormalities as Seen in Diabetes: If you have diabetes, regular dental checkups are even more critical for early identification and treatment of tooth abnormalities to help avoid major complications.
• Craniofrontonasal Syndrome, Teebi Type: Managing Craniofrontonasal syndrome, Teebi type, includes proactive dental care to reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral complications related to its unique facial features.
• Tooth Decay: Preventing tooth decay is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being, as untreated decay can lead to infections and other health problems.
• Jaw Cyst: Managing a jaw cyst effectively prevents more serious problems like jawbone weakening and facial deformities, emphasizing the need for prompt dental care.

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

• DEXIS® Platinum Digital Radiography System: Empower yourself with detailed dental images, helping your dentist detect subtle signs of cavities, gum disease, or other issues through advanced digital X-ray technology, leading to timely treatment and better outcomes.
• Dental Onlay: Strengthening a compromised tooth and preventing future complications, a dental onlay serves as a proactive measure in maintaining your overall oral health and preventing tooth loss.
• 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.
• Lumibrite™ Professional Whitening System: Lumibrite™ Professional Whitening offers a way to enhance your smile's aesthetics while supporting good oral hygiene practices that prevent cavities and gum disease.
• Restorative Procedure: A restorative procedure repairs damaged teeth, preventing further decay and discomfort, helping you maintain a healthy smile.
• Dental Crown: As part of proactive dental care, a crown can help restore a tooth after significant decay or trauma, reducing the risk of tooth loss and maintaining your overall oral health.
• Porcelain Dental Inlays: By choosing porcelain inlays, you're investing in the long-term health of your teeth, preventing further decay and maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile.

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. Thai 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:

• By attending regular dental checkups and following a proactive oral health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing oral submucous fibrosis, ensuring a healthier mouth and overall well-being.
• A family was reassured by the early detection plan, which helped minimize potential long-term oral health complications associated with craniosynostosis, arthrogryposis, and cleft palate. Proactive management allowed them to focus on their child's overall well-being and future.
• A family was reassured by the early detection of narrow oral fissures, short stature, and cone-shaped epiphyses, enabling them to proactively discuss potential genetic conditions with their healthcare team and implement a personalized health management plan.

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. Thai DMD:

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

At Dr. Thai DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps 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 brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, significantly, gum disease, which is 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 (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 oral and overall health.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

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

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Thai DMD can help with snoring and some cases of sleep apnea. For eligible patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, we can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open while you sleep, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Thai DMD 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 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.

1344 22nd St S
Saint Petersburg FL 33712
Phone: (727) 821-6701

Dr. Thai Lam, 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): 1225609985

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. Thai 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.