Dr. Leslie Hernandez, DMD

Dr. Leslie Hernandez, DMD 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 Lutz, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her practice focuses on general preventative dentistry, serving as your primary partner in lifelong oral health. This includes creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health.

General Preventive Dentistry emphasizes the importance of early intervention and proactive measures. Dr. Leslie DMD is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages, and her dedication to preventive care extends beyond the immediate oral cavity, recognizing the interconnectedness of oral and systemic health. Patients should call (813) 949-3211 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Leslie Hernandez, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Lutz, FL, committed to providing comprehensive preventive dental care. She prioritizes patient education and empowers patients to take ownership of their oral health journey. While her consultations are primarily conducted in English, her compassionate approach and dedication to creating a supportive environment ensure that every patient receives the personalized care they need.

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 Pulp Inflammation: Ignoring the warning signs of tooth pulp inflammation can lead to irreversible damage, emphasizing the need for proactive oral health management and prompt dental care.
• Odontogenic Lesions: Odontogenic lesions can sometimes indicate underlying health issues, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive oral health for your overall well-being. Early detection through regular checkups is key.
• Narrow Oral Fissure - Short Stature - Cone - Shaped Epiphyses: Narrow oral fissures, short stature, and cone-shaped epiphyses can be early signs of a genetic condition that may affect overall health, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups for early intervention and management.
• Amelogenesis Imperfecta: Managing amelogenesis imperfecta through specialized dental care reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral complications associated with weakened enamel.
• Ankylosis: Managing ankylosis through early intervention can prevent the need for more extensive and complex treatments later on, safeguarding your overall oral health.
• Gingivostomatitis: Gingivostomatitis highlights the importance of regular dental checkups for early identification and treatment of oral infections.
• Mouth Lesions: Early detection and treatment of mouth lesions significantly reduces your risk of developing more serious oral conditions, highlighting the value of preventive dental care.

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:

• Mini Dental Braces: Mini dental braces, also known as lingual braces or clear aligners, are a proactive step to straighten your teeth and improve your bite, preventing future jaw problems and enhancing your smile.
• 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.
• Damon® Clear Braces: Investing in Damon® Clear Braces is an investment in your overall well-being, as proper tooth alignment can improve chewing and reduce TMJ issues.
• Dental Cleaning: Protect your smile and overall health with professional dental cleanings, which screen for early signs of gum disease and cavities.
• Jaw Reconstruction Surgery: This surgery helps rebuild and restore damaged jawbones, improving facial aesthetics and reducing the risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Smile Makeovers: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with a smile makeover; it's a comprehensive assessment that helps prevent and address dental concerns.
• Denture Repair: Maintaining your dentures through repair helps prevent the discomfort and potential infections caused by ill-fitting dentures.

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 diligently following a preventive dentistry plan, a patient avoided the pain and potential irreversible damage of tooth pulp inflammation, ensuring a healthy smile for years to come.
• By scheduling regular checkups and diligently following the preventive plan, a patient proactively managed potential odontogenic lesions, reducing their risk of future oral health complications and gaining peace of mind.
• By proactively scheduling regular dental checkups, a family gained valuable insights into potential early signs of a genetic condition, allowing for timely interventions and a more reassuring outlook on their health journey.

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 dental hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This is a critical preventive step to 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 diligent 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 links to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is deeply connected to overall health, as chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is therefore an essential part of maintaining good 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. Leslie DMD can assess your oral health, recommend appropriate treatments like custom trays or in-office procedures, and ensure a safe and optimal whitening experience. Over-the-counter products may not provide the same results or safety.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, receding gums exposing the tooth root, or tiny cracks in the teeth. A proper diagnosis by Dr. Leslie DMD is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Leslie DMD can help with snoring and some cases of sleep apnea. For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, she can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open while you sleep. This is a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.

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

148 Whitaker Rd
Lutz FL 33549
Phone: (813) 949-3211

Dr. Leslie Hernandez, 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): 1982019972

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.