Lena Salha, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at her Austin, TX clinic, dedicated to providing comprehensive General Dentistry care. She is a registered provider with The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). General Dentists (DDS or DMD) are primary care providers for oral health, focusing on preventative care, diagnosing and treating dental diseases, managing tooth replacement needs, performing oral cancer screenings, and collaborating with primary care physicians to address the connection between oral and overall systemic health. Dr. Salha is committed to this holistic approach, and serves all ages.
Dr. Lena Salha, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Austin, TX. She is accepting new patients. She earned her degree from Houston Baptist University in 1982, followed by residency training in General Dentists at Indiana University Dental School (graduated 1993). Dr. Salha is deeply committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She understands the importance of communication and offers consultations in several languages, including Arabic, French, and Spanish. Call (512) 345-0400 to schedule an appointment.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Salha is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Salha provides comprehensive general dentistry care, prioritizing preventative measures and the early detection of oral health issues. She collaborates closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans, addressing both immediate dental needs and the connection between oral and systemic health. Her approach emphasizes clear communication and evidence-based strategies to ensure optimal oral well-being for each patient.
By working together, you and Dr. Salha can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Alliance EPO
- Anthem
- BlueCare Dental
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Salha offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Grinding of Teeth: Grinding your teeth can wear them down and cause damage. Your dentist can identify the cause and recommend treatments like a nightguard to prevent further problems.
- Dental Injury: Dental injuries range from minor to severe, and your general dentist provides a wide range of treatment options depending on the nature of the injury.
- Candidiasis of Mouth: Oral thrush is a common fungal infection that appears as creamy white lesions on the tongue or inner cheeks, and your dentist can prescribe medication to eliminate it.
- Chronic Periodontitis: Chronic periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that causes damage to the gums and bone, and your general dentist is key in diagnosing and managing this condition.
- Tooth Pulp Inflammation: Experiencing tooth pain that indicates an infection of the tooth's nerve? This is tooth pulp inflammation, which your dentist can effectively manage.
- Cleft Palate: A general dentist's involvement in cleft palate care is crucial, especially in managing the dental challenges that often accompany this birth defect and providing guidance for ongoing oral health.
- Mouth Lesions: If you notice any unusual spots, bumps, or sores in your mouth, see your dentistthey can assess, diagnose, and manage these mouth lesions.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Salha offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Dental Crown: If a tooth is severely weakened or cracked, a crown can provide the necessary support and protection.
- Porcelain Crown: If a tooth is severely decayed, cracked, or broken, a porcelain crown can act as a protective cover to prevent further damage and improve its function.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: Through restoration, your dentist can address complications with your dental implants, such as gum recession or infection, and make them healthy again.
- Crown Lengthening: This procedure removes excess gum and bone tissue to make more of a tooth visible, which is beneficial for crowns, bridges, or improving the tooth's aesthetics.
- Root Canal: A root canal is a procedure to repair and save a severely damaged or infected tooth by removing the damaged pulp (nerve and blood vessels) inside.
- Porcelain Veneers: To get veneers, your dentist will prepare your teeth and then custom-fit and bond the porcelain shells to create a stunning and natural-looking smile.
- Removable Appliances: For people missing teeth, removable appliances such as partial dentures can help restore your smile and chewing ability.
- Dental Bridge: A dental bridge is a permanent solution to replace one or more missing teeth, using artificial teeth anchored to the surrounding natural teeth.
- Teeth Scaling: Teeth scaling is a professional cleaning that removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, preventing gum disease and cavities.
- Oral Surgical Procedures: Oral surgical procedures are operations performed in the mouth, often involving tooth removal or other treatments for gum disease or jaw problems.
- Intraoral Camera: During your checkup, your dentist might use an intraoral camera to show you any areas of concern, like plaque buildup or early signs of decay.
- Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Non-surgical methods like deep cleaning can help save your teeth and gums from the damage caused by gum disease, before surgery becomes necessary.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Salha is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from a dentist, a patient learned to manage their teeth grinding, leading to a noticeable decrease in jaw pain and improved overall oral health.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan from a general dentist, a patient successfully managed their dental injury, restoring their comfortable bite and smile. This positive outcome significantly improved their confidence and daily life.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
4041 Steck Ave, Austin, TX, 78759
Phone: (512) 345-0400
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- Indiana University Dental School (Residency Hospital) - 1993
- University Of Texas Dental Branch, Houston (Other Education) - 1987
- Houston Baptist University (Undergraduate School) - 1982
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Salha:
- How is my dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall health, including your heart. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not just healthy teeth, but also your overall well-being.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common side effect of many medications. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Salha can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, jawbone and gum changes can cause dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can reshape the denture for a better fit, or a new denture may be necessary if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
- What is an oral cancer screening and is it part of my check-up?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless visual inspection of your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations. Dr. Salha performs this important part of every routine dental exam to help detect potential problems early, when treatment is most successful.
- What can I do about sensitive teeth?
- Sensitivity is often caused by receding gums exposing the tooth root, or by worn-down enamel. Dr. Salha can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, apply fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth that could be causing the sensitivity.
- Are dental implants a good option for replacing missing teeth?
- Dental implants are often an excellent long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They provide a secure foundation for a crown or bridge, restoring a natural look and feel, and can help preserve the jawbone.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of a damaged tooth. A crown is like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection when a tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- How often should I see the dentist, even if nothing hurts?
- Most people benefit from a check-up and cleaning every six months, even if nothing hurts. These visits are crucial for preventing problems like tartar buildup, cavities, and gum disease, which can be caught and treated early before becoming more serious.
4041 Steck Ave
Austin TX 78759
Phone: (512) 345-0400
Lena Salha, DDS is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1356664585
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Lena Salha are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.