Dr. Karina Gilbert, DDS

Dr. Karina Gilbert, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, 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 and creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages. Please call (813) 288-1999 to confirm if Dr. Karina DDS is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Karina Gilbert, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Tampa, FL, providing consultations primarily in English.

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

• Mouth Conditions: Addressing mouth conditions promptly can stop minor issues from escalating into major problems, saving you time, money, and discomfort.
• Dental Trauma: Addressing dental trauma promptly and effectively helps prevent secondary infections and complications such as bone loss or facial deformities, maintaining healthy oral structures.
• Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: Oral hairy leukoplakia is a harmless white patch on your tongue, often linked to the weakened immune system from conditions like HIV, and regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and managing potential complications.
• Orofacial Pain: By addressing orofacial pain early, you can prevent significant dental problems that may require extensive and costly treatment down the line; it's all about proactive care.
• Jaw Irregularities: Jaw irregularities, if left unaddressed, can lead to problems with chewing, speaking, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention.
• Loose Teeth: Loose teeth are a warning sign that your oral health needs immediate attention; taking action now can preserve your natural teeth and overall wellbeing.
• Occlusal Disease: Problems with your bite, known as occlusal disease, can cause wear and tear on your teeth and jaw, making preventive care like regular checkups essential.

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

• Dental Crown: A dental crown is a restorative procedure that protects a weakened or damaged tooth, serving as a proactive measure to prevent further complications and support long-term oral health.
• Laser Lingual Frenectomy: Invest in your long-term oral health by exploring a laser lingual frenectomy. This procedure can correct a tongue tie, leading to better cleaning and a reduced risk of gum disease and cavities.
• Orthodontic Procedures: Straightening your teeth with orthodontic procedures can improve your bite, making it easier to clean and reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Endodontic Retreatment: Protecting your tooth's health, endodontic retreatment addresses issues in a previously filled root canal, helping prevent the need for extraction.
• Dental Infection Treatment: Taking care of a dental infection promptly can safeguard you from potential complications like gum disease and jawbone damage.
• Arestin® Therapy: Take charge of your gum health with Arestin® Therapy; it's a localized antibiotic treatment that targets infection and helps prevent gum disease.
• Herbst® Appliance: As a proactive measure for correcting a severe overbite in children and adolescents, the Herbst appliance helps improve chewing and speaking abilities, preventing long-term dental issues.

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. Karina 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 and following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a family proactively managed their mouth conditions, preventing potential future problems and enjoying a healthier, more comfortable smile.
• By proactively addressing potential dental trauma risks, a family gained peace of mind, knowing their oral health was protected against future complications and maintained in optimal condition.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient proactively monitored their oral health, reducing the risk of oral hairy leukoplakia and maintaining peace of mind. Early detection allowed for prompt management and reassurance that their oral health was well-maintained.

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. Karina DDS:

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

For most people, visiting Dr. Karina DDS and our dental hygienists every six months is recommended. This schedule allows us to remove tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, identify cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent home care, 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.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is directly linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, like regular checkups and cleanings, is crucial 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. Karina DDS can assess your oral health, recommend the best whitening option for you, and ensure a safe and effective treatment, such as custom trays or in-office procedures, that are better than over-the-counter products.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

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're 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.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Karina 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?

While Dr. Karina DDS is a dentist, not a sleep specialist, she can help some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. For eligible patients, she can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open while you sleep, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP. Please discuss your specific situation with Dr. Karina to determine if this option is right for you.

5706 Benjamin Center Dr Ste 103
Tampa FL 33634
Phone: (813) 288-1999

Dr. Karina Gilbert, 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): 1609193119

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. Karina 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.