Dr. Michelle Weninger, DDS

Dr. Michelle Weninger, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive 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). Her commitment to preventative care extends beyond the teeth, recognizing the crucial link between oral and systemic health. 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 serves all ages. Please call (813) 872-7057 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Michelle DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Tampa, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. Her approach emphasizes empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health, fostering a supportive and informative environment. She prioritizes creating personalized treatment plans, focusing on proactive measures to maintain healthy teeth and gums, and actively working to identify and address potential oral health concerns early. Dr. Michelle DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Salivary Gland Stones and Inflammation: Preventing salivary gland stones and their associated inflammation starts with proactive measures like staying hydrated and maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
• Tooth Abrasion: Managing tooth abrasion effectively, often through lifestyle changes and professional dental care, helps maintain the health and longevity of your teeth, avoiding the need for more extensive dental work down the line.
• Fused Mandibular Incisors: Fused mandibular incisors, where two lower front teeth are joined, can sometimes impact proper cleaning and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease if not carefully monitored.
• Tooth Demineralization: Preventing tooth decay starts with understanding tooth demineralization—the process where your enamel weakens, increasing your risk of cavities; regular checkups and proper brushing help detect and reverse this.
• Dentofacial Anomalies: Dentofacial anomalies can affect how your teeth and jaw fit together, impacting chewing, speaking, and even your overall facial appearance; proactive care is key to preventing long-term issues.
• Treacher Collins Syndrome: Early identification of oral health problems in individuals with Treacher Collins Syndrome is vital for preventing infections, promoting healthy teeth, and improving overall quality of life.
• Periodontitis: Don't let gum disease sneak up on you; understanding your risk factors for periodontitis and taking preventative measures helps avoid costly and complicated treatments later.

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

• Dental Cleaning: A dental cleaning is a simple yet effective preventative measure to keep your mouth healthy, detecting any issues early and avoiding future complications.
• Diode Laser Soft Tissue Treatment: This laser treatment offers a minimally invasive way to improve gum health, preventing potential complications and discomfort.
• Pediatric Dental Exam: Give your child the gift of a healthy smile! A pediatric dental exam allows for early diagnosis and treatment of any dental issues, preventing more extensive and costly procedures later.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular oral cancer screenings are a vital part of comprehensive preventative care, enabling early diagnosis and improving treatment outcomes.
• Pocket Depth Measurement: Protecting your gums from disease starts with a pocket depth measurement – it's a crucial part of your preventive dental care, helping your dentist identify and address potential problems before they escalate.
• Desensitizing Therapy (Dental): Desensitizing therapy is a convenient way to treat sensitive teeth, enabling you to brush and floss effectively without pain, maintaining optimal oral health.
• Root Canal Retreatment: Root canal retreatment is a procedure to address persistent infection or inflammation in a previously treated tooth, protecting your overall oral health and preventing further complications.

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. Michelle 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 diligently following a proactive oral hygiene routine and maintaining adequate hydration, a patient successfully avoided the discomfort and potential complications of salivary gland stones and inflammation. This proactive approach ensured a healthy and comfortable quality of life.
• By adopting a proactive oral care routine and receiving regular check-ups, a patient significantly reduced their risk of tooth abrasion, maintaining a healthy smile for years to come.
• A patient, by proactively scheduling regular dental checkups, discovered early signs of fused mandibular incisors. This early detection allowed for a personalized prevention plan, reducing the risk of future dental problems and maintaining a healthy smile.

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. Michelle DDS:

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

At Dr. Michelle DDS, we recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps prevent tartar buildup, which brushing can't remove, and allows us to detect 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, importantly, gum disease, which can be linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your 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 is essential for maintaining optimal body health.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

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

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

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Michelle 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.

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. Michelle DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from teeth grinding.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is an early, reversible stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious stage where the bone supporting the teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

4030 N Macdill Ave
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 872-7057

Dr. Michelle Weninger, 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): 1912128497

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. Michelle 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.