General & Preventive Care in Tampa
The Foundation of a Lifetime of Health. Advanced diagnostics and prevention, managed by expert precision.
Our Philosophy: Prevention is Precision
We believe routine care is the single best investment in your long-term health. Our goal is not just to fix problems; it’s to prevent the need for complex, costly procedures entirely. Every exam utilizes the same advanced diagnostic diligence we apply to surgical planning, ensuring even minor issues are caught and resolved before they compromise your health.
The IMD Advantage: Advanced Screening for Lasting Health
We treat routine care as the most important defense against future complex, costly procedures. Our advantage is defined by these three actionable commitments:
Early Digital Detection
We utilize 3D CBCT scans and high-resolution digital X-rays for routine exams, allowing us to find microscopic issues and bone density changes that 2D imaging often misses. This expertise ensures early, cost-effective treatment
Protection Against Hidden Wear
We link your general care to your overall functional health. Every exam includes screening for jaw joint dysfunction and airway issues, ensuring we provide proactive protection (nightguards, mouthguards) against destructive habits before damage occurs.
Emergency Care When You Need It
Dental emergencies are stressful and painful. Our protocol ensures prompt, professional assessment and stabilization, focusing on rapid pain relief and immediate treatment options to restore your comfort and health without unnecessary delay.
your Questions, Answered
Can a tooth needing a deep filling still be saved from a root canal?
Yes, modern dentistry prioritizes saving your nerve. By using advanced digital imaging for precise diagnosis and specialized bonding materials (pulp capping), we can often seal and save a tooth that other practices might condemn to a root canal. Early and accurate detection is key to this success.
How soon should I brush after drinking acidic coffee, soda, or juice?
Wait 30–60 minutes. Acid softens the enamel (a process called erosion). Brushing immediately acts like sandpaper, rapidly wearing away the softened enamel. Rinsing vigorously with water is the best first step to let your saliva neutralize the acid. Common erosive culprits: Energy drinks, lemon juice vinegar, wine, and citrus fruits.
How long does sugar actually attack my teeth after I eat?
Your saliva needs about 30 minutes to naturally neutralize the acid produced by bacteria after consuming sugar. Every time you sip a soda or snack on a cracker, the 30-minute clock resets. This constant sugar burden is why frequent, small snacking is far more destructive than eating a large dessert once.
Is the "Natural" or Whitening Toothpaste I use actually damaging my enamel?
Abrasive ingredients can destroy your tooth structure. Many whitening and charcoal pastes contain materials like baking soda or silica that wear away healthy enamel and exposed root surfaces, leading to non-carious lesions (physical wear, not decay). Always choose a soft-bristle toothbrush over medium or firm, and avoid highly abrasive pastes.
My mouth is often dry or acidic. Is this speeding up damage?
Yes, severely. Systemic conditions like GERD (acid reflux) or common medications that cause xerostomia (dry mouth) remove your saliva’s natural protection. When combined with root exposure, this constant acid environment can cause extreme tooth breakdown in as little as a year. We recommend using xylitol products and discussing prescription dry mouth treatments to restore protection.
Fear of the Unknown Stops Here. Lift Your Health to Certainty.
We understand that the greatest anxiety comes from not knowing the next step. Let our advanced diagnostic process replace that uncertainty with a clear, reliable path toward lasting comfort and optimal oral health.
