Laura Fuentes

Laura Fuentes is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. She practices at her clinic in Miami, 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 fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Laura Fuentes serves all ages and welcomes the opportunity to partner with you in achieving optimal oral health. Please call (786) 327-9680 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

As a dentistry practitioner in Miami, FL, Dr. Laura Fuentes understands the vital connection between oral and overall health. Her focus on prevention extends beyond addressing immediate dental concerns to encompass the broader picture of wellness. She recognizes that proactive care is key to maintaining optimal oral and systemic health throughout life. This approach ensures that preventative measures are personalized and tailored to meet each patient's unique needs, promoting a lasting partnership in maintaining optimal well-being. Dr. Laura Fuentes provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Gingival Fibromatosis - Dental Abnormalities: Thickening of the gums due to gingival fibromatosis can make it hard to brush and floss effectively, highlighting the importance of proactive dental care to avoid potential gum problems.
• Hypodontia: Managing hypodontia through early intervention, such as dental implants or braces, helps maintain proper jaw alignment and reduces the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues.
• Lip Cancer: Addressing risk factors like excessive sun exposure and tobacco use lowers the likelihood of developing lip cancer, preserving your oral and overall health.
• 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.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: Managing TMJ disorder proactively minimizes the risk of chronic jaw pain, headaches, and earaches, improving your overall quality of life and preventing significant health issues down the line.
• Edentulism: Edentulism, or the complete loss of teeth, is a serious condition that can be prevented through consistent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, which allow for early detection and treatment of dental problems.
• Amelogenesis Imperfecta: Because amelogenesis imperfecta weakens tooth enamel, regular dental checkups and proactive treatment prevent further damage and maintain 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. Laura Fuentes offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• ViziLite® Plus: As part of your commitment to preventative care, ViziLite® Plus aids in the early detection of oral cancers and precancerous conditions, significantly improving your chances of successful treatment and a positive outcome.
• Scaling and Root Planing: Take a proactive step towards preventing gum disease by undergoing scaling and root planing, a procedure that targets harmful bacteria and reduces inflammation.
• DIAGNOdent® Laser Cavity Detection: By using DIAGNOdent®'s laser technology, we can detect tiny cavities before they become visible and potentially lead to tooth decay, saving you time and discomfort.
• 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.
• Smile Makeovers: A smile makeover can help identify potential oral health problems early, preventing more serious issues like cavities and gum disease down the line.
• Jaw Tracking: Ensure the health of your jaw joint and muscles by undergoing jaw tracking; this helps detect and treat issues early, before they become more serious.
• Dental Infection Treatment: Through prompt dental infection treatment, we can prevent the infection from impacting your overall well-being and potentially harming other organs.

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. Laura Fuentes 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 a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully managed gingival fibromatosis, maintaining healthy gums and a confident smile. This proactive approach ensured the prevention of more serious gum problems.
• By addressing potential hypodontia concerns early, a family proactively maintained proper jaw development, reducing future oral health risks and ensuring a confident smile.
• By understanding and addressing sun exposure and tobacco use, a patient proactively reduced their risk of lip cancer, fostering peace of mind and promoting 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. Laura Fuentes:

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

Dr. Laura Fuentes recommends seeing a dentist and hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This schedule is crucial for preventing tartar buildup, which brushing alone can't remove, and for catching cavities early. Regular checkups also 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, importantly, gum disease, which has links to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. 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 good oral and overall 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.

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 use extremely low levels of radiation and are very safe. They allow Dr. Laura Fuentes to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

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. Laura Fuentes is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

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 (molars). 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.

14337 SW 96th Ter
Miami FL 33186
Phone: (786) 327-9680

Laura Fuentes 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): 1467958348

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. Laura Fuentes 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.