Dr. Vera Lee, DDS

Dr. Vera Lee, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventive dental care. She practices at her clinic in Lithia, 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, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, and she serves all ages. Dr. Vera DDS is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (813) 490-1982 to schedule. Born in California and raised in Los Angeles, Dr. Vera's passion for dentistry developed through volunteering at the UCSD Student Run Free Dental Clinic. Her extensive career in the United States Air Force, culminating in a position as a Major in the Dental Corp, instilled in her a deep commitment to integrity, compassion, and excellence, principles she now brings to her practice. As a member of the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association, she is dedicated to continuing education and integrating the latest technologies and procedures in dental healthcare. Dr. Vera DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: A clicking sound in your jaw joint could be an early sign of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, and addressing it early can prevent more serious problems like pain and jaw limitations.
• Canker Sore: Canker sores, though usually harmless, can indicate an underlying issue and should be monitored for persistent or recurring occurrences to prevent potential complications.
• Tender Gums: Preventing gum tenderness through proper brushing and flossing is essential for maintaining healthy gums and keeping your smile bright.
• Dental Injury: A dental injury, like a chipped tooth or knocked-out tooth, can be prevented through protective measures like wearing a mouthguard during sports, and prompt treatment minimizes lasting damage and infection.
• Receding Gums: Receding gums indicate a need for professional dental care to help prevent serious gum disease and the potential for costly treatments.
• Tooth Loss: Protecting your teeth from loss involves diligent brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Tooth Malformation: Tooth malformation, sometimes present from birth or developing later, can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease if not addressed early, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups.
• Swollen Gums: Swollen gums are a warning sign that your oral health needs attention; addressing it promptly prevents long-term complications like periodontitis.
• Stained Teeth: Addressing tooth stains early can prevent further discoloration and improve your overall oral health, minimizing the need for more extensive treatments later.
• Grinding of Teeth: Unmanaged teeth grinding can result in cracked teeth, jaw pain, and even headaches; regular dental visits and potential use of a night guard can prevent these complications.
• Mouth Conditions: Regular dental visits and proactive oral care are vital for preventing and managing various mouth conditions, minimizing their impact on your systemic health.
• Halitosis: Early detection and treatment of the underlying cause of halitosis are crucial for preventing further damage to your 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. Vera DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Amalgam Dental Fillings: As a proactive step in maintaining your oral health, amalgam fillings help restore damaged teeth and prevent future complications like tooth loss.
• Cosmetic Procedure: By enhancing your smile with cosmetic procedures, you indirectly promote better oral health through increased self-care and regular visits.
• Dental Cleaning: Protect your smile and overall health with professional dental cleanings, which screen for early signs of gum disease and cavities.
• Dental Crown: A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and protect it from further decay, helping you keep your natural smile for longer.
• Dental Hygiene Services: Invest in your smile's future! Dental hygiene services provide essential cleanings and screenings to help detect and stop the progression of gum disease and cavities.
• Dental Implant: Investing in a dental implant is a proactive step in preserving your facial structure and preventing the common issues related to missing teeth.
• Root Canal: Protecting your overall oral health, a root canal treatment addresses severe tooth decay or injury, relieving pain and preventing the need for an extraction.
• Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening can reveal underlying dental issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of more significant problems.
• Tooth-Conserving Dentistry: Tooth-conserving dentistry focuses on preserving your natural teeth through early detection and treatment of dental problems, preventing the need for more extensive procedures later.

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. Vera 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:

• A patient noticed a clicking sound in their jaw and, with preventive guidance, made lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing a more serious TMJ disorder, gaining peace of mind about their oral health.
• By understanding the early warning signs of canker sores and implementing preventative measures, a patient avoided the discomfort and potential complications of recurring sores, gaining confidence in their oral health.
• By consistently practicing good oral hygiene, a patient effectively prevented gum tenderness, maintaining a healthy, vibrant smile and overall well-being.

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. Vera DDS:

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

At Dr. Vera DDS, we recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This helps prevent tartar buildup, which brushing can't remove, and allows us to 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, more importantly, gum disease, which is linked to other health problems, including heart disease.

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 an essential part of maintaining optimal body health.

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.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Vera DDS can assess your oral health to ensure you're a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, for better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Vera 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 future care.

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.

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 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.

5658 Fishhawk Crossing Blvd
Lithia FL 33547
Phone: (813) 490-1982

Dr. Vera Lee, 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): 1326271842

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. Vera 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.