Sometimes, finding a dentist who can treat your whole family can be challenging. That’s where we come in. Dr. Rebecca E. Benedict offers family dentistry services for children and adults in Tampa, FL. Routine and general dental care services help patients keep bright and healthy smiles. Patients can also benefit from cosmetic and restorative dental treatments as their oral health or aesthetic needs change.
We can help parents and children receive dental care at the same appointments. Our team knows that busy schedules can make it challenging to plan dental visits for each family member. We’re here to make dental visits go smoothly for all patients.
Family Dentistry in Tampa, FL
Dental care is essential at any age. At-home care and professional dental cleanings help prevent cavities and gum disease. These problems lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and chronic dental issues.
Children are more at risk of developing cavities than any other age group. This is because children are more likely to consume sugary foods and drinks. Children may also not brush and floss properly. Teaching children how to care for their teeth and gums at home will help them develop healthy, lasting habits.
When you and your child visit our office, our hygienists can provide tips to help you supervise their children when they brush and floss. We will also provide children with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss at the end of their visit.
Routine Pediatric Dental Cleanings and Exams
We recommend bringing your children to the dentist once their baby teeth appear. At children’s dental visits, we provide exams and cleanings. Scheduling these visits every six months will help us keep track of your child’s dental health as they grow.
First, we will take a quick X-ray before the cleaning. X-rays help us find problems we cannot see with a visual exam, including cavities. Then, we will use tools to examine the mouth for deep gum pockets or tooth decay. To make this part of the exam comfortable, we will “count the teeth” with your child.
Then, during a dental cleaning, we remove food debris and bacteria from the teeth and gums. We polish the teeth with kid-friendly toothpaste. Then, we may recommend fluoride or sealants depending on their age and with your approval.
Patients of all ages benefit from dental visits. Cleanings, exams, and X-rays keep the mouth clean. We can plan customized treatment if we find any dental problems at regular visits.
Children’s Dental Services in Hyde Park, FL
Sealants and fluoride treatment help prevent problems like cavities in younger patients. We may recommend these treatments at routine appointments:
Dental Sealants
The chewing surfaces of teeth have grooves that can trap food and bacteria if you do not clean them properly. The molars, or the teeth in the back of the mouth, can be hard to reach with a toothbrush. These areas accumulate plaque and trapped food particles that can lead to tooth decay and cavities. As soon as your child’s molars grow, they will need sealants.
Sealants are a preventative treatment we provide after dental cleanings. During this quick treatment, we place a thin coating of dental sealant over the chewing surfaces of teeth. This protects fissures and grooves from decay for multiple years.
Fluoride Treatment
Your mouth contains bacteria. While some bacteria help keep your teeth and gums healthy, bad bacteria can damage oral health. Harmful bacteria feed on leftover debris from the foods and drinks you consume. This bacteria releases digestive acids that can demineralize teeth. This increases the risk of cavities.
Fluoride promotes the remineralization of the enamel and strengthens it to protect it from decay. We can apply a fluoride gel or varnish to the teeth to help protect them from cavities.
Gentle, Anxiety-Free Dentistry
Our office understands that some patients, especially younger patients, may fear the dentist. Whether patients fear pain, loud noises, or general anxiety surrounding the dentist’s office, we can help.
If your child fears the dentist, you can prepare them before their visit. Read children’s books on visiting the dentist. You can also pretend they’re at the dentist when you brush and floss their teeth. Making their upcoming visit feel exciting and fun can help reduce their anxiety surrounding the dentist.
When your child visits our office, we will introduce ourselves, answer their questions, and explain their treatment in simple terms. Our hygienists will also pause during treatments as needed. We encourage you to bring your child’s favorite blanket or toy with them. You can also stay in the exam room when they receive treatment. Our office wants to reduce pain, anxiety, and fear as much as possible.
Adult Dentistry
Dental care isn’t just essential for adults and children. Our Tampa dental office cares for patients of all ages in every stage of life.
As you age, you can encounter dental problems you didn’t have before. Certain medications or medical conditions can increase the risk of developing problems that require dental care. For example, diabetes, antihistamines, and antidepressants can increase the risk of gum disease. Tooth damage or a sudden dental problem like a missing tooth can impact the function and comfort of your teeth and gums.
Our office offers restorative dental care to restore the teeth and gums. Many patients have functional problems from missing and damaged teeth, bite disorders, or gum disease. Treating these problems early can preserve natural teeth and gums and prevent more complex issues.
If you are in good oral health but want to enhance the look of your teeth, we recommend cosmetic dentistry treatment. We offer Invisalign, veneers, bonding, and teeth whitening treatments to straighten and brighten teeth. These treatments benefit adults with damaged, crooked, and discolored teeth.
Call For Family Dentistry Services in Tampa
Are you looking for a family dentist in Tampa, FL? Contact Dr. Benedict at 813-733-6981 or schedule your next dental appointment online. We’re proud to treat patients in Tampa and the Hyde Park, FL community. Please let us know if you have questions about dental care for you or your children.