Dr. James Bonham, DMD

Dr. James Bonham, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Largo, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His focus on prevention is paramount; 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 welcomes new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Bonham, who earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida, approaches care with a collaborative, evidence-based philosophy, ensuring a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His primary focus is on restoring patients' smiles using innovative techniques, including implants, laser, adhesive dentistry, and sedation. He believes every patient deserves the healthiest mouth possible and strives to build long-lasting relationships through comprehensive care tailored to each individual's needs. Dr. James DMD provides consultations primarily in English and can be reached at (727) 581-1869 to schedule an appointment.

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

• Grinding of Teeth: If you clench or grind your teeth, you're at increased risk for gum disease and tooth loss; addressing this habit early can significantly improve your long-term oral health.
• Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth can lead to increased sensitivity and pain if left untreated; regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and management.
• Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess is a painful infection at the root of a tooth, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention of serious complications.
• Broken Tooth: Regular dental visits help catch a broken tooth early, allowing for less invasive and more affordable treatment options, preventing the need for extensive and potentially costly procedures later on.
• Gingivitis: Managing gingivitis effectively, through professional cleaning and at-home care, reduces your risk of developing more severe gum disease.
• Tooth Loss: Protecting your teeth from loss involves diligent brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Gum Disease: Managing gum disease effectively prevents tooth loss and other systemic health issues, highlighting the importance of early intervention and consistent oral care.
• 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.
• Tooth Decay: Regular dental visits for cleaning and fluoride treatments help prevent tooth decay and strengthen your teeth, shielding them from harmful bacteria.
• Tooth Attrition: Protecting your teeth from excessive wear and tear through preventative measures such as avoiding hard foods and using a mouthguard helps prevent tooth attrition and maintain your overall oral health.
• Tooth Demineralization: Tooth demineralization is the gradual loss of minerals from your tooth enamel, increasing your susceptibility to cavities; maintaining excellent oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly can stop this process.
• Tooth Abrasion: By understanding the risk factors for tooth abrasion, like aggressive brushing or teeth grinding, you can take proactive steps to protect your enamel, reducing the chances of needing restorative treatments later on.

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

• Tooth-Conserving Dentistry: Tooth-conserving dentistry focuses on preserving your natural teeth through early detection and treatment of dental problems, preventing the need for more extensive procedures later.
• Teeth Scaling: Regular teeth scaling is a simple yet effective way to detect and address early signs of periodontal disease, improving your overall health.
• Cosmetic Procedure: While primarily aesthetic, cosmetic dentistry can sometimes uncover underlying dental issues during the process, leading to early intervention.
• Amalgam Dental Fillings: Amalgam fillings are a durable way to restore teeth damaged by decay, proactively preventing further infection and preserving your natural smile.
• Dental Hygiene Services: Maintain optimal oral hygiene and prevent costly dental work down the line with routine dental hygiene services—a small investment with huge returns for your smile.
• Simple Tooth Extractions: Simple tooth extraction helps prevent future dental problems by removing a damaged tooth that might otherwise lead to more extensive and costly treatment.
• Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening is more than just aesthetics; it encourages regular dental checkups, supporting the early detection of oral health concerns.
• Root Planing: Take control of your oral health with root planing—a procedure that addresses gum disease early on, preventing the need for more extensive treatments in the future and supporting overall health.
• Porcelain Veneers: Take a proactive role in your oral health journey by considering porcelain veneers; they can mask imperfections and strengthen vulnerable teeth, preventing potential issues down the line.
• Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Take proactive steps towards preventing gum disease with a non-surgical gum treatment, helping catch and address issues early before they worsen.
• Dental Implant: A dental implant offers a permanent solution to missing teeth, improving your confidence, enhancing your smile, and helping to prevent future dental problems.
• 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.

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. James 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 addressing their teeth grinding habit early with a preventive dentistry plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of gum disease and tooth loss, achieving greater long-term oral health.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient proactively identified a minor chip, preventing further damage and discomfort, and maintaining a healthy smile.
• By attending regular dental checkups and following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a patient avoided the pain and potential complications of a tooth abscess, maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being.

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. James DMD:

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

For most people, regular checkups and cleanings every six months are crucial. 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 meticulous brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This crucial step prevents cavities and, more importantly, gum disease, which is linked to other health problems.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intricately linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining a healthy body.

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. James 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. James DMD can assess your oral health to ensure 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.

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. James to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

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. Dr. James DMD is happy to explain the procedure further.

12720 Ulmerton Rd
Largo FL 33774
Phone: (727) 581-1869

Dr. James Bonham, 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): 1154582617

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. James 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.