Dr. Nicole Hernandez, MD

Dr. Nicole Hernandez, MD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. She practices at her clinic in Palm Harbor, 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 creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients.

Dr. Nicole Hernandez, MD is a dentistry practitioner in Palm Harbor, FL, affiliated with AdventHealth Tampa. She is dedicated to preventative dentistry and creating personalized plans to safeguard your oral health. Her practice focuses on proactive care, emphasizing the importance of screenings and managing overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. Dr. Hernandez is accepting new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (727) 786-1631. While Dr. Nicole Hernandez provides consultations primarily in English, she strives to create a comfortable and supportive environment for every patient.

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

• Cracked Tooth: A cracked tooth, even a small one, can lead to serious problems if left untreated, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention.
• Impacted Teeth: To avoid potential pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth, preventative dental checkups are essential for the early detection and management of impacted teeth.
• Tooth Abnormalities as Seen in Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk for certain tooth abnormalities; proactive dental care, including regular checkups and good oral hygiene, can help minimize these risks.
• Gingival Fibromatosis - Dental Abnormalities: Managing gingival fibromatosis through regular dental visits and appropriate treatment helps prevent more significant dental issues and maintains overall oral hygiene.
• Dental Disorders: Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing many dental disorders, significantly reducing your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other complications.
• Gingival Fibromatosis: While rare, gingival fibromatosis necessitates consistent professional dental care to prevent secondary complications such as gum disease or difficulty with daily oral hygiene.
• Gingivostomatitis: Preventing gingivostomatitis involves practicing good oral hygiene to reduce your risk of infection and inflammation.

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

• Digital Tomography: Ensure you get the most effective dental care with digital tomography. This advanced imaging helps your dentist identify even minor issues that may be missed with traditional x-rays, enabling early intervention and prevention of more serious problems.
• Picasso® Soft Tissue Laser Procedure: As part of your commitment to preventive care, consider the Picasso® Soft Tissue Laser procedure to help detect and treat gum disease, preserving your smile and overall wellbeing.
• Restorative Procedure: To maintain a healthy and functional bite, restorative procedures rebuild or replace damaged tooth structure, reducing pain and promoting long-term oral wellness.
• Simpli5® Clear Aligners: Simpli5® Clear Aligners provide a comfortable and effective method to straighten your teeth, helping to prevent jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders associated with misalignment.
• Philips Zoom!: Invest in a brighter, healthier smile with Philips Zoom! – a powerful tool for preventing discoloration and maintaining optimal oral health and improving self-esteem.
• Temporormandibular (TM) Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better jaw health with TMJ therapy; it assesses the function of your jaw joint and muscles.
• Dental Gum Flap Surgery: As a proactive step in maintaining oral health, dental gum flap surgery enables a deeper cleaning and improved access for treating gum disease.

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. Nicole Hernandez 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:

• A family was relieved to learn that early detection of a minor tooth crack, through regular checkups, prevented further damage and ensured a long-term, healthy smile.
• By attending regular checkups, a patient was able to identify and address potential impacted teeth early, significantly reducing the risk of future dental complications and maintaining a healthy smile.
• By attending regular dental checkups and diligently practicing good oral hygiene, a patient proactively managed their diabetes-related dental risks, ensuring a healthy smile and peace of mind. This proactive approach minimized the potential for tooth abnormalities, allowing them to focus on overall well-being.

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. Nicole Hernandez:

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

Dr. Nicole Hernandez recommends visiting the dentist and dental hygienist every six months for a checkup 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 gum disease, which is 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) is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is crucial for maintaining optimal oral and systemic health.

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 a tooth extraction. It's a common, effective way to keep your smile healthy.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

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.

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 seals out food and plaque, preventing cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Hernandez 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.

2711 Tampa Rd
Palm Harbor FL 34684
Phone: (727) 786-1631

Dr. Nicole Hernandez, MD 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): 1790050474

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. Nicole Hernandez 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.