Dr. Brian Harrington, DMD

Dr. Brian Harrington, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at Creekwood Dental in Bradenton, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Preventive Dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health, creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. He is committed to serving all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to embark on this proactive health journey. Please call (941) 241-4307 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Harrington currently resides in Bradenton, FL with his wife, Tina, and their sons, Brooks Liam and Taylor Dominik. Faith is a cornerstone of their lives, reflected in his 2009 and 2010 dental mission trips to Guatemala, where he provided care to the people of Chichicastenango. In his free time, he enjoys competing in triathlons, beach time, fishing, and spending quality time with his family. Our team is dedicated to delivering the highest quality lifetime dental care done efficiently and in a relaxing family-like atmosphere while building trusting relationships by educating the community we serve. Practicing dentistry with integrity and professionalism is tremendously important to me. I want to provide my patients with excellent dental work in a caring and relaxing environment. Dr. Brian DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Brian DMD is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Brian DMD can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Brian DMD provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Gingivitis: Managing gingivitis effectively, through professional cleaning and at-home care, reduces your risk of developing more severe gum disease.
• Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Catching clicking in your jaw joint early can help avoid severe TMJ problems; schedule an appointment with your dentist to assess and manage it.
• Grinding of Teeth: Teeth grinding puts excessive pressure on your jaw and teeth, potentially causing damage and pain; proactive management through stress reduction or mouthguards protects your oral health.
• Halitosis: Halitosis, or bad breath, can be a sign of underlying oral health issues like gum disease or cavities, so addressing it early helps prevent more serious problems.
• Bad Taste in Mouth: A bad taste in your mouth can be a warning sign of poor oral hygiene or underlying health issues, making regular checkups crucial for early detection and prevention.
• Sensitive Teeth: Don't ignore sensitive teeth – catching the underlying issue early can stop it from becoming a chronic problem, potentially impacting your overall oral health.
• Canker Sore: Canker sores, though usually harmless, can indicate an underlying issue and should be monitored for persistent or recurring occurrences to prevent potential complications.
• Swollen Gums: Noticeable gum swelling warrants a visit to your dentist; early intervention can often reverse the condition and maintain good oral health.
• Stained Teeth: Preventing tooth staining through good oral hygiene practices can significantly reduce your risk of developing more serious dental conditions.
• Loose Teeth: Experiencing loose teeth? Addressing this early prevents further tooth loss and potential complications, emphasizing the value of proactive dental care.
• Tender Gums: Tender gums are a warning sign that needs attention; addressing the issue early can help avoid costly and painful dental treatments later.
• Dental Injury: Early detection of dental injuries, even minor ones, is crucial to prevent more serious complications like infections or nerve damage, safeguarding your long-term oral health.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Brian DMD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Amalgam Dental Fillings: As a proactive step in maintaining your oral health, amalgam fillings help restore damaged teeth and prevent future complications like tooth loss.
• Cosmetic Procedure: Cosmetic dental work can address minor imperfections that might otherwise affect your self-esteem and lead to neglecting dental care.
• Dental Cleaning: Invest in your well-being with routine dental cleanings; they're essential for preventing serious oral health issues and promoting good systemic health.
• Dental Crown: To safeguard your oral health, a dental crown can be used to strengthen a weakened tooth, preventing future infection or the need for more extensive dental work.
• Dental Hygiene Services: Invest in your smile's future! Dental hygiene services provide essential cleanings and screenings to help detect and stop the progression of gum disease and cavities.
• Dental Implant: Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant prevents the shifting of adjacent teeth and maintains the proper alignment of your bite.
• Root Canal: Protecting your overall oral health, a root canal treatment addresses severe tooth decay or injury, relieving pain and preventing the need for an extraction.
• Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening can reveal underlying dental issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of more significant problems.
• Tooth-Conserving Dentistry: By prioritizing tooth-conserving dentistry, you're taking a proactive step to maintain your oral health, avoiding tooth loss and potential health complications.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Preventive Dentistry Services in Florida.

Dr. Brian DMD is dedicated to partnering with Dental Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized at-home care routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing gingivitis, ensuring a healthy smile and overall well-being.
• By addressing the early clicking in their jaw joint, a patient was able to avoid more serious TMJ issues, ensuring a pain-free and comfortable future.
• Recognizing the potential for teeth grinding pain, a patient implemented a stress-reduction plan and used a custom mouthguard, significantly decreasing the pressure on their jaw and teeth, and ensuring a comfortable smile for years to come.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Preventive Dental care with Dr. Brian DMD:

How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?

Most people benefit from a check-up and cleaning every six months. This allows our dental hygienists to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, more importantly, gum disease, which is linked to other health problems such as heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is intrinsically linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal oral and overall body health.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is an early, reversible stage of gum disease characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious stage where the bone supporting the teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using extremely low levels of radiation. They allow Dr. Brian DMD to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are caps that cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after significant damage or decay.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, receding gums exposing the tooth root, or tiny cracks in the teeth. A proper diagnosis by Dr. Brian DMD is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that help seal out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

Creekwood Dental
5210 Creekwood Blvd
Bradenton FL 34203
Phone: (941) 241-4307

Dr. Brian Harrington, DMD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1659678985

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Preventive Dentistry Services like Dr. Brian DMD are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your preventive dentistry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.