Dr. Karen Burns, DMD

Dr. Karen Burns, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she maintains a private clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL, where she serves all ages. 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. Dr. Karen is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (727) 201-1995 to schedule.

With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Preventive Dental care, Dr. Burns brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. A Dentist serving the St. Petersburg area for more than 10 years, she is experienced in Oral Surgery and Removable Prosthetics. Dr. Burns earned her DMD from the University of Florida Dental School in 2001, followed by residency training in Preventive Dentistry Services at Spear Institute in Arizona and the Hillsborough County Dental Research Clinic (2002), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. Dr. Karen DMD is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, and Pinellas County Dental Association. Her commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment for patients enables them to actively participate in their long-term health. Dr. Karen DMD offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess indicates a serious infection needing immediate dental attention; proactive preventive dental care minimizes the risk of reaching this stage.
• Tooth Discoloration: Tooth discoloration can be an early warning sign of underlying oral health issues, so addressing it promptly helps prevent more serious problems.
• Tooth Loss: Preventing tooth loss starts with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene to catch problems early and avoid major issues down the line.
• Toothache: A toothache can be a warning sign of a cavity or infection, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention.
• 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 Abrasion: Early detection of tooth abrasion allows for timely intervention, such as adjusting brushing techniques or using fluoride treatments, minimizing further enamel loss and preventing future problems.
• Gingivitis: Catching gingivitis early through regular dental checkups and proper brushing/flossing helps prevent permanent gum damage and tooth loss.
• Cavity: Catching cavities early through regular checkups and cleanings helps prevent larger, more painful problems down the line and keeps your teeth healthy longer.
• Tooth Attrition: Attrition, the gradual wearing down of teeth, can be significantly reduced by adopting preventive habits and seeking professional dental advice, ensuring a long-term, healthy smile.
• Dental Disorders: Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and management of dental disorders, allowing for timely intervention to prevent further damage and improve long-term oral health.
• Tooth Decay: Tooth decay, or cavities, is preventable with good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing, protecting your teeth and gums from serious 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. Karen DMD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Dental Onlay: To proactively maintain strong teeth, a dental onlay can be used to repair a significantly damaged tooth surface, preventing further decay and preserving your natural tooth structure.
• Dental Bridge: To maintain a healthy smile and prevent bite problems, consider a dental bridge as a solution for restoring missing teeth.
• Root Planing: To proactively safeguard your gums, root planing smooths the tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to accumulate and reducing your risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
• Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening is more than just aesthetics; it encourages regular dental checkups, supporting the early detection of oral health concerns.
• Dental Crown: Investing in a dental crown can prevent the loss of a tooth and help maintain a healthy, functional bite by protecting a compromised tooth from further damage.
• Restoration of Dental Implants: Proactive restoration of dental implants maintains their structural integrity and prevents potential infection or bone loss, supporting a healthy mouth.
• Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with an ultrasonic cleaning; it's a thorough cleaning that helps detect early signs of gum disease and cavities.
• Composite Fillings: For a healthier, more confident smile, consider composite fillings to repair damaged teeth and prevent more extensive dental work in the future.
• Denture Repair: Maintaining your dentures through repair helps prevent the discomfort and potential infections caused by ill-fitting dentures.
• 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 Bonding: As part of your commitment to overall wellness, dental bonding offers a straightforward solution to improve tooth structure and esthetics, thereby reducing the risk of more complex dental issues down the line.
• Teeth Scaling: Protecting your gum health starts with scaling, a procedure that screens for early signs of gum disease and keeps your smile healthy.

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. Karen 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 diligently following a preventive dentistry plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of developing a tooth abscess, ensuring a healthier smile and peace of mind.
• Recognizing tooth discoloration as a potential sign of oral health issues, a family proactively addressed the concern with a preventive dentistry plan. Early intervention led to a healthier, brighter smile and peace of mind about their oral well-being.
• By diligently attending regular dental checkups and practicing excellent oral hygiene, a family proactively managed their oral health, significantly reducing the risk of tooth loss and enjoying 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. 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. Karen DMD:

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

At Dr. Karen DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps remove tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, allows us to catch 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, importantly, gum disease, which can be linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

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.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Karen DMD can assess your oral health to 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.

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. It's a common and effective way to protect and maintain your smile.

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

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays use extremely low levels of radiation and are very safe. They allow Dr. Karen to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible without them, enabling early intervention.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the modern gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots, supporting a natural-looking crown. This approach helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding teeth.

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 seal out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

3100 4th St N Unit 2
Saint Petersburg FL 33704
Phone: (727) 201-1995

Dr. Karen Burns, 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): 1699090449

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. Karen 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.