Dr. Francesca Hernandez, DDS

Dr. Francesca Hernandez, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. She practices at her clinic in Tampa, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the 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. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Francesca Hernandez, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Tampa, FL, and she serves all ages. Please call (813) 866-0930 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Francesca DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Salivary Gland Cyst: Preventative dental checkups are crucial for identifying salivary gland cysts early; prompt diagnosis ensures less invasive management and protects your overall oral health.
• Tooth Malformation: Tooth malformation, sometimes present from birth or developing later, can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease if not addressed early, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups.
• Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Managing risk factors like tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption is vital in preventing oral squamous cell carcinoma and maintaining long-term oral health.
• Tooth Damage: Protecting your teeth from damage through preventive measures like wearing a mouthguard during sports or avoiding hard candies helps maintain your oral health and overall well-being.
• Tooth Attrition: Managing tooth attrition involves proactive measures like adjusting your brushing technique and using fluoride toothpaste to minimize further enamel loss and protect against sensitivity.
• Orofacial Pain: Orofacial pain, encompassing pain in your mouth, face, and jaw, can signal underlying issues like gum disease or TMJ problems, making early detection crucial for preventing more serious complications.
• Jaw Tumor: Managing risk factors like smoking and excessive sun exposure can significantly reduce the chances of developing jaw tumors, promoting 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. Francesca DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Cerinate One-Hour™ Permanent Veneer: Cerinate One-Hour™ Permanent Veneers provide a long-lasting solution for chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth, contributing to improved oral health and confidence.
• Prophy Jet Air Polishing: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with Prophy Jet air polishing; it gently cleans hard-to-reach areas, helping detect early signs of gum disease and cavities.
• Jaw Reconstruction Surgery: Jaw reconstruction surgery can help prevent or manage complications from trauma or disease, leading to better long-term oral health.
• Arestin® Therapy: Protect your smile and overall health with Arestin® Therapy, a non-surgical approach to combat gum disease and maintain healthy gums.
• Laser Root Planing: Take a proactive step towards better gum health with laser root planing, a treatment that removes bacteria and tartar buildup below the gum line, reducing the risk of periodontal disease.
• Bracket Braces: For a more beautiful and functional smile, bracket braces realign your teeth, improving chewing efficiency and reducing the strain on your jaw joint.
• Panorex X-Ray: For a complete picture of your oral health, a Panorex X-ray is a valuable tool. It helps us identify potential problems early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing more extensive procedures.

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. Francesca 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:

• By attending regular checkups, a patient detected a potential salivary gland cyst early, enabling a less invasive treatment plan and ensuring optimal oral health. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and protected their overall well-being.
• By scheduling regular dental checkups, a patient proactively identified potential tooth malformation early, significantly reducing their risk of future dental problems and gaining peace of mind.
• By proactively addressing tobacco use and alcohol consumption, a patient significantly reduced their risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma, gaining peace of mind about their long-term oral health.

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. Francesca DDS:

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

We recommend visiting Dr. Francesca DDS and our dental hygienists every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This crucial preventive care removes tartar buildup that brushing can't, helps detect cavities early, and screens 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.

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. Preventive dental care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is essential for maintaining optimal oral and overall body health.

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. Francesca will visually inspect the lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities, as early detection is key to successful treatment.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

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

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Francesca 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.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Francesca DDS can help some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. A custom-fitted oral appliance, worn at night, can effectively keep the airway open. This is a comfortable alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.

7814 N Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa FL 33614
Phone: (813) 866-0930

Dr. Francesca Hernandez, 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): 1801464235

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. Francesca 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.