Dr. Carl Panzarella, DDS

Dr. Carl Panzarella, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at his clinic in Largo, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to 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 serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Panzarella's focus on prevention stems from his belief that "Dentistry is the perfect blend of art, science and medical care." He strives to provide the highest quality of dentistry in a friendly and comfortable environment. This dedication is reinforced by his extensive education and training, including advanced courses at the Las Vegas Dental Institute and the United States Dental Institute, as well as his membership in the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. In his free time, Dr. Panzarella enjoys spending time with his family, engaging in activities such as fishing, tennis, hiking, and exercise, and flying as a private pilot. He understands the importance of preventative care and is enthusiastic about helping you achieve optimal oral and overall health. Dr. Carl DDS provides consultations primarily in English. Contact him at (727) 586-1955 to schedule an appointment.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Carl DDS 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. Carl DDS 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. Carl DDS 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:

• Crossbite: Early intervention with a crossbite can prevent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and the need for extensive dental work down the road.
• Loose Teeth: Don't ignore loose teeth – they indicate a problem that, if left untreated, can lead to infections, further tooth loss, and even impact your overall health.
• Malocclusion (Bad Bite): Malocclusion, or an improper bite, can strain your jaw joints and damage your teeth over time, making regular dental checkups crucial for early intervention and preventive care.
• Cleft Lip: Managing a cleft lip effectively involves a multidisciplinary approach, including surgical repair and speech therapy, to prevent further health challenges.
• Dental Crowding: Early intervention for crowded teeth minimizes the likelihood of needing extensive and potentially costly orthodontic treatment in the future, saving you both time and money.
• Tooth and Nail Syndrome: Because Tooth and Nail Syndrome can sometimes manifest in oral health issues, proactive dental care is vital for minimizing potential risks.
• Worn Down Teeth: Preventing further damage from worn teeth requires proactive measures such as adjusting your diet, using a mouthguard, and receiving prompt dental care to avoid irreversible complications like tooth loss.

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. Carl DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Dental Examination: Ensure optimal oral health and prevent future dental problems by scheduling a routine dental examination. This important check-up allows for early diagnosis and treatment of any developing issues.
• Orthodontic Treatment, Early: Early orthodontic intervention can prevent severe tooth crowding or misalignment, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid cavities.
• Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF): PRF harnesses the power of your own blood to enhance the healing process following dental procedures, potentially minimizing scarring and improving the overall result.
• i-CAT® 3D Dental Imaging: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with i-CAT® 3D imaging, which provides detailed images to help your dentist detect potential problems like cavities or gum disease early on.
• Vibraject: Improve your oral health with Vibraject's gentle screening process that can detect subtle signs of decay and gum disease, leading to proactive treatment and long-term oral health.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: Invest in implant-supported dentures for a secure, comfortable, and long-lasting solution to missing teeth, improving your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
• Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT): Ensure optimal dental health by utilizing a cone beam CT scan, a powerful diagnostic tool which assists in the early detection of abnormalities in the jawbone, teeth, and surrounding tissues, thus supporting proactive treatment for better outcomes.

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. Carl DDS 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:

• Recognizing the early signs of a crossbite, a family proactively sought guidance from a preventive dentist, significantly reducing the risk of future TMJ problems and extensive dental work. This proactive approach provided peace of mind, allowing them to focus on enjoying a healthy smile for years to come.
• Recognizing loose teeth early, a patient proactively addressed the underlying issue, reducing the risk of further tooth loss and associated health concerns. This proactive approach ensured a healthier smile and overall well-being.
• By attending regular checkups and following a proactive treatment plan, a family was relieved to learn that early intervention for malocclusion significantly reduced the risk of future dental problems, fostering a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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. Carl DDS:

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

At Dr. Carl DDS, we recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps 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 removal is crucial for preventing cavities and, importantly, gum disease, which has been linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is deeply connected 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 health.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Carl DDS can assess your oral health to ensure you're a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, that provide better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

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

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up. Dr. Carl DDS will visually inspect the lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities; early detection is key to successful treatment.

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.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Carl DDS recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for ensuring proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home for future care.

2260 West Bay Dr Ste A
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (727) 586-1955

Dr. Carl Panzarella, DDS 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): 1457400103

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. Carl DDS 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.