Dr. Erica Thomas, DMD

Dr. Erica Thomas, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. She practices at her clinic in Pinellas Park, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her focus on 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. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Erica Thomas, DMD serves all ages and patients should call (727) 291-0220 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

As a dentistry practitioner in Pinellas Park, FL, Dr. Erica DMD understands the importance of preventative measures in maintaining optimal oral health. Her practice emphasizes the crucial link between oral and systemic health, recognizing that proactive care can lead to a healthier, happier life overall. She prioritizes creating personalized treatment strategies tailored to each patient's unique needs and circumstances, ensuring that every consultation is both informative and empowering. She is committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive care, and encourages open communication and collaboration with her patients. Dr. Erica DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Receded Lower Jaw: Receding gums can expose the root of your lower jaw, increasing your risk of sensitivity, infection, and even tooth loss; early detection and treatment are key to preventing these complications.
• Dental Bone Loss: Early detection of dental bone loss through routine dental visits is key to minimizing further damage and preserving your natural teeth for a lifetime.
• Ectodermal Dysplasia With Natal Teeth, Turnpenny Type: Ectodermal dysplasia with natal teeth, Turnpenny type, is a rare genetic condition affecting tooth development that requires early monitoring and specialized dental care to prevent complications like infection and malocclusion.
• Plicated Tongue: Early identification of a plicated tongue can help manage potential complications like increased plaque accumulation, emphasizing the role of regular dental checkups in maintaining oral health.
• Tooth Abrasion: Tooth abrasion, the wearing away of tooth enamel, can be prevented by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding abrasive toothpastes, protecting your teeth from premature damage and sensitivity.
• Salivary Gland Stones and Inflammation: Salivary gland stones can cause painful swelling and infection, but early detection through regular dental checkups can prevent serious complications.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: Protecting your jaw joint from TMJ disorder involves understanding risk factors like teeth grinding and stress, and seeking help from your dentist to prevent painful flare-ups and lasting damage.

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

• Oral Cancer Screening: An oral cancer screening is a quick check that helps detect potentially cancerous lesions early, when treatment is most effective.
• Porcelain Veneers: Enhance your smile and protect your teeth from future decay with porcelain veneers, a proactive step in maintaining your overall oral health and preventing further damage.
• Dental Gum Flap Surgery: To proactively address gum disease and its potential impact on your overall health, consider dental gum flap surgery as a way to assess and treat infection.
• LumiSmile™ White: Take a proactive step towards a healthier mouth with LumiSmile™ White; professional teeth whitening can enhance your smile's appearance and improve your oral hygiene routine.
• Empress® Restoration: Protecting your smile's integrity is key to overall health. Empress® restorations provide durable replacements for damaged teeth, helping prevent further issues and maintaining your oral function.
• Amalgam Filling Removal: As a proactive step in your oral health journey, amalgam filling removal helps identify potential cavities or tooth decay that may be hidden beneath the old filling.
• Cerinate One-Hour™ Permanent Veneer: Take a proactive step towards a healthier mouth with Cerinate One-Hour™ Permanent Veneers; they can enhance the aesthetics of your teeth and strengthen weakened enamel.

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. Erica 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 scheduling regular checkups and following a personalized preventive plan, a patient successfully maintained healthy gums, reducing the risk of receding lower jaw and its associated complications. This proactive approach ensured a confident smile and overall oral health for years to come.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient proactively identified early signs of potential bone loss, allowing for timely intervention and minimizing the risk of future complications. This proactive approach ensured the patient's smile and oral health remained strong and vibrant for years to come.
• A family, through consistent dental checkups and proactive management, successfully minimized the risk of dental complications associated with Ectodermal Dysplasia, allowing for a more comfortable and confident future. Early intervention ensured optimal oral health and peace of mind.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Erica DMD:

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

At Dr. Erica DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This allows our dental hygienists to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, and helps us catch cavities early. Regular visits also 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 like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intricately linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining not only a healthy mouth but also a healthy body.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Erica DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

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

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.

What is a root canal and why is it needed?

A root canal is a procedure to save a badly infected or damaged tooth. It involves removing the inflamed pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. This treatment relieves pain and prevents the need for tooth extraction.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Erica DMD can help some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. We offer custom-fitted oral appliances to keep the airway open during sleep, providing a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.

4326 Park Blvd N Ste A
Pinellas Park FL 33781
Phone: (727) 291-0220

Dr. Erica Thomas, 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): 1043667843

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. Erica 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.