Dr. Leslie Ferrara, DMD

Dr. Leslie Ferrara, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she provides General Preventive Dentistry services at her Tampa, FL clinic. This encompasses a personalized approach to oral health, creating plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. She is committed to serving all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients to embark on this proactive health journey. Call (813) 229-8090 to schedule an appointment.

With over 15 years of dedicated experience in Preventive Dental care, Dr. Leslie brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. A graduate of the University of Florida and Boston University Henry M. Goldman School Of Dental Medicine, she earned her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition and her Dental Medicine Doctorate. Following medical school, she completed a residency in Preventive Dentistry Services at Bay Pines Va Medical Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of All ages. Dr. Leslie's commitment to staying current in her field is evident through her membership in the Spears Study Club, and she is dedicated to providing exceptional dentistry with advanced techniques and the latest innovations. She is committed to treating all patients with honesty, respect, compassion, and empathy in a warm and comfortable environment, striving to improve each patient's quality of life through heartfelt care. Dr. Leslie DMD offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Leslie 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. Leslie 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. Leslie 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 Discoloration: Managing tooth discoloration through proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups helps maintain a healthy smile and prevent further aesthetic and dental problems.
• 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 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.
• Tooth Loss: Early detection of gum disease and cavities through routine dental visits can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing tooth loss later in life.
• 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.
• Grinding of Teeth: Grinding your teeth, or bruxism, can wear down enamel, leading to cavities and sensitivity—catching it early with a dental check-up prevents major problems.
• 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.
• Cavity: A cavity, or tooth decay, is a hole in your tooth caused by bacteria, and preventing them starts with good oral hygiene to avoid more serious dental problems.
• Gum Disease: Don't let gum disease put your overall health at risk; proactive steps such as brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups can significantly minimize your chances of developing this preventable condition.
• Chipped Tooth: Addressing a chipped tooth promptly minimizes the chance of the chip worsening, possibly leading to a more complex and costly repair later on.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums, is a preventable condition; addressing it promptly safeguards your gums and supports overall well-being.
• Tooth Abscess: Catching and treating gum disease early is essential, as untreated gum disease is a major risk factor for developing a tooth abscess requiring potentially extensive dental treatment.

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

• Dental Bridge: To maintain a healthy smile and prevent bite problems, consider a dental bridge as a solution for restoring missing teeth.
• 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.
• 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.
• Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Non-surgical gum treatment offers a gentle yet effective way to address gum problems, preventing more invasive procedures and preserving your natural teeth.
• Composite Fillings: Take charge of your oral health by choosing composite fillings; these durable restorations effectively seal damaged areas, preventing future infections.
• 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.
• Teeth Scaling: Invest in your long-term oral health by scheduling regular teeth scaling; this preventative measure helps remove plaque and tartar, safeguarding your teeth and gums.
• Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: Ultrasonic dental cleaning helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing cavities and gum disease before they start.
• Dental Onlay: A dental onlay is a custom-made restoration that protects a weakened tooth from further damage and prevents the need for a more extensive procedure like a crown, safeguarding your smile's long-term health.
• 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.
• Denture Repair: Maintaining your dentures through repair helps prevent the discomfort and potential infections caused by ill-fitting dentures.
• Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a simple, effective way to address minor cosmetic flaws and protect your teeth, helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile as part of your overall health routine.

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. Leslie 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 consistently practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular checkups, a patient maintained a healthy smile, preventing further tooth discoloration and associated dental problems. This proactive approach ensured a confident and aesthetically pleasing smile for years to come.
• By diligently following a preventive dentistry plan, a family successfully reduced their risk of tooth demineralization, gaining peace of mind about their oral health.
• By adjusting their brushing technique and incorporating fluoride toothpaste into their routine, a family successfully minimized further enamel loss and maintained healthy smiles, preventing tooth sensitivity.

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. Leslie DMD:

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

At Dr. Leslie DMD, we recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. 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 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 has been linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically 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 good oral and overall body health.

What is TMJ disorder?

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

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, which are then topped with a natural-looking crown. This helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of adjacent teeth.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Leslie 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, that provide better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are caps that cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after significant damage or decay.

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 not a painful procedure, but rather a way to save your tooth.

201 E Kennedy Blvd Ste 1425
Tampa FL 33602
Phone: (813) 229-8090

Dr. Leslie Ferrara, 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): 1255561692

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. Leslie 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.