Preventive Dentistry
For long-term oral health, prioritizing both at-home care and visits to our Tampa, FL, dentist that focus on early detection of arising issues is key. Prevent unwanted complications down the road by taking advantage of teeth cleanings, fluoride applications, dental sealants, treatment, and more now. Not sure where to get started? We’d love to be your guide!
To request an appointment or request a free consultation with Dr. Guerra, call our office today at (813) 866-7080. Feel free to also contact us online and a team member will reach out to you as soon as possible.
Teeth Cleanings
An essential dental procedure that involves the removal of plaque and tartar from teeth, teeth cleanings serve to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Performed by our very own dental hygienists, these cleanings include scaling, polishing, and flossing to ensure teeth and gums remain healthy. The general rule of cleanings is to receive one every six months which our dentist advises so all patients can maintain their oral hygiene and prevent serious dental problems.
Fluoride Treatment
If you’re wanting to strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent cavities, coming in for fluoride treatment is a great place to start. Typically brushed onto teeth as a varnish or gel, the concentrated fluoride is designed to enhance the enamel’s resistance to acid and bacteria, promoting overall oral health. Regular fluoride treatments, especially for children and adults prone to cavities, help maintain strong, healthy teeth and reduce the risk of decay and other dental issues.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants from our dentist are thin, protective coatings that are painlessly applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) to prevent cavities. Teeth are cleaned and dried first before an acid solution is used to roughen the chewing surface and ensure a strong bond later. We’ll paint the sealant on next, which quickly hardens and forms a barrier against plaque and food particles. Ideal for children and teens but also effective for adult patients, sealants provide long-lasting protection, significantly reducing the risk of tooth decay in hard-to-reach areas.
Night Guards
For those dealing with teeth grinding and clenching while they sleep, night guards are custom-made dental devices from our dentist that are worn to prevent tooth damage and jaw pain. Each oral appliance is uniquely crafted from durable, comfortable materials that fit snugly over teeth, cushioning them and reducing pressure on the jaw. Aside from enamel protection, wearing night guards regularly can alleviate symptoms of bruxism, prevent headaches, and keep long-term dental issues at bay.
TMJ Disorder Treatment
The temporomandibular joint is located on each side of the jaw and connects the bone itself to the skull. Normally, no discomfort is felt as the joints move with the jaw when a person speaks or eats, but dysfunction can still occur. Our dentist can work to remedy this dysfunction through TMJ disorder treatment that may include a combination of oral appliances like night guards, physical therapy, medications for pain and inflammation, and stress management techniques to use at home. In severe cases, surgical interventions might be necessary but are a last resort.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Living with obstructive sleep apnea can be stressful as you aren’t always aware of what’s happening while you’re resting. To keep the airway open during sleep, our dentist can create a custom-made oral appliance, or mouth guard, for you that helps reposition the lower jaw and tongue to prevent blockage from occurring. Effective for mild to moderate conditions of this nature, sleep apnea treatment improves breathing, reduces snoring, and enhances overall sleep quality.
Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal therapy treats gum disease using methods like scaling and root planing and prescribed antibiotic rinses or medications. A deep cleaning like scaling and root planing removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, while medications target remaining bacteria, reducing infection and inflammation. This comprehensive approach from our dentist promotes gum health, prevents tooth loss, and enhances overall oral hygiene, leading to improved long-term oral health.
