General Dentistry in Tampa, FL

Did you know that the one health care provider you should see multiple times a year is your dentist in Tampa, FL?

That's because general dentistry services can prevent multiple diseases; in fact, most dental procedures are diagnostic or preventive. Routine visits to Dr. Bellegarrigue in Tampa can save your smile and teeth. In some instances, it can even save your life.

Patients who listen to their dentist and practice good oral health/hygiene at home can often prevent oral and general disease. Left untreated, these oral disorders can cause:

• Tooth & jaw pain
• Cost money and time from work
• Possibly result in tooth loss

General dental services can provide comprehensive oral care to family members of any age.

During your regular dental visit with Dr. Roberto Bellegarrigue, you will receive a complete examination of your mouth and surrounding areas. If your dentist or dental hygienist observes signs of tooth infection or decay, they will be able to treat the issue that day immediately.

Contact North Tampa Dentistry to keep up with your regular dental schedule.

• What Does Your General Dentist Do?
• Preventing Gum Disease
• Routine Dental Services at North Tampa Dentistry
• Options to Replace Missing Teeth
• Give North Tampa Dentistry a Call Today

General dentists provide a wide range of dental services geared towards preventing oral health issues, improving the appearance of your smile, and restoring missing or damaged teeth. Your Tampa general dentist not only examines the condition of your teeth, but he also shows proper techniques for brushing your teeth, the best kind of toothbrush for you, and tips on proper oral hygiene, including diet and nutrition guidance.

At North Tampa Dentistry, Dr. Bellegarrigue is trained in different areas of dental service, including cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry. He can fit patients for porcelain veneers, dental crowns, bridges, dental implants, orthodontics, dentures and partials, and more. He can also carry out oral surgery, full mouth reconstruction, and root canal therapy. Dr. Bellegarrigue's responsibilities include:

• Identifying dental disease and infection
• Advocating oral health and prevention
• Designing smile treatment plans
• Deciphering x-rays and other tests
• Monitoring gum growth and tooth development
• Surgical procedures to the oral cavity

Preventing Gum Disease

Dr. Roberto Bellegarrigue looks for early signs of periodontal disease, which is a progressive gum disease with few symptoms.

The beginning stages of gum disease is known as gingivitis; at this point, the gums are inflamed and bleeding. This stage is easily reversible if diagnosed and treated by Dr. Bellegarrigue. For effective gum disease treatment in North Tampa, catching it early prevents it from leading to periodontitis—infection of the teeth and gums. Periodontitis can impair your jaw bone, which often leads to tooth loss; infection in your oral cavity can be dangerous to your heart.

How does periodontal disease happen? When bacteria clings to your teeth and gums, it creates a film known as plaque. Food debris and bacteria release acids that lead to gum inflammation and swelling. Even daily brushing cannot avoid plaque; there are always places your toothbrush cannot easily reach. Only a dental professional can remove plaque altogether.

Periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage to your gums, tissue, and bone. Your North Tampa general dentist will always check for oral cancer during your dental cleanings.

Your regular dental check-up could save your life.

General and preventive dentistry keep your smile and general well being strong, vibrant, and healthy. When dental health issues like gum disease, infection, or tooth decay are left undiagnosed and untreated, your entire body could be put at risk.

General dentistry services are vital to protecting your oral and general health.

Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry maintains your oral health by eradicating disease and decay before it gets worse and requires surgery. Regular exams, which can consist of diagnostic tools like digital and panoramic x-rays-and professional dental cleanings, are the keystone to preventive dental care.

Dr. Bellegarrigue is happy to provide accurate and precise directions on proper at-home oral care and may recommend healing treatments like sealants or dental bonding as necessary.

Do you play sports? Your Tampa dentist may fit you with a custom-fabricated sports-guard or mouthguard to protect your teeth.

Do you grind your teeth at night? This can lead to enamel erosion and tooth fractures; Dr. Bellegarrigue can recommend a nightguard to protect your teeth and dentistry.

Restorative Dentistry

If preventive dentistry doesn't catch an oral issue, or if it's been a while since you've seen your dentist, you may need restorative treatment. One of the most common forms includes removing tooth decay and sealing the tooth with a filling.

If you've had an accident and have a chipped, broken, loose, or knocked-out tooth, your general dentist at North Tampa Dentistry can restore your smile to its previous glory. Dental emergencies can be treated the same day, depending on the urgency of oral trauma. Your Tampa general dentist can restore missing teeth with dental implants, full and partial dentures, dental crowns, and dental bridges.

Patients who have gum disease can see their general dentist to treat their infection and maintain regular dental check-ups to keep an eye on your oral health. Dr. Bellegarrigue can perform root canal treatment to save an infected tooth, or orthodontics to straighten overcrowded or crooked teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry

You maintain perfect dental attendance at the regular intervals suggested by Dr. Bellegarrigue, but you still aren't satisfied with how your smile looks. Your Tampa general dentist can offer a comprehensive range of beautifying services like professional teeth whitening with Zoom!, dental bonding, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and more to give you the dazzling Hollywood smile you've always wanted.

Many adult Americans experience tooth loss at least once in their lives; there are many reasons why this can occur. Regardless of why your tooth is missing, it's crucial to replace it as soon as possible. When a gap is left in your smile, it can cause a misaligned bite; neighboring teeth tend to shift towards the space and disturb the peace. This often leads to further tooth loss. 

Not to mention that your jaw bone isn't being stimulated when you chew; without a tooth root, it will start to recede. This can create a sunken look to your appearance, and unfortunately, age you. 

On the surface level, it can be embarrassing to have a gap in your smile. People can make unfair assumptions about you that don't reflect your true spirit. Not to mention that eating and speaking are compromised, they take more effort. 

Give North Tampa Dentistry a Call Today

In many ways, your oral health is a reflection of your general health.

For example, untreated dental infections can affect diabetes, lead to an increase in heart disease, and create complications during pregnancy. Your general dentist is trained to spot these and other health issues, as well as screen for oral cancer.

If you have a hard time sleeping, experience jaw pain, or have any concerns or health issues, Dr. Bellegarrigue can offer appropriate treatment or referral, nutritional advice, help with quitting smoking, and provide oral wellness information.

Even if it's been a while since you've scheduled a dental visit, it's not our job to scold you. We are here to serve you and your family, provide the best in oral health care, and administer honest dental advice and options.

Call North Tampa Dentistry at (813) 968-5368 to schedule a dental appointment. You can find our office by Lake Magdalene near the Hamlet, Brentwood, and Carrollwood communities.