Dr. Thomas Pirkle, DDS

Dr. Thomas Pirkle, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Lake Worth, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends beyond basic dental care; he recognizes the interconnectedness of oral and systemic health, emphasizing the vital role of prevention in achieving optimal well-being for all patients.

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. Dr. Thomas DDS understands that preventative care benefits patients of all ages, and his practice is designed to accommodate the unique needs of individuals throughout their lives. Please call (561) 582-5322 to confirm if Dr. Thomas DDS is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Thomas Pirkle, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Lake Worth, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. He fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in preventing dental issues, and he consistently strives to provide the highest quality care. Dr. Thomas DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Sensitive Teeth: Sensitive teeth, often a sign of enamel wear or exposed dentin, can be managed early to prevent further tooth decay and discomfort.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, like oral herpes, can be managed with antiviral medications and good hygiene practices to reduce outbreaks and prevent complications.
• Oral Infection: Oral infections, if left untreated, can lead to more severe problems, emphasizing the importance of proactive dental hygiene and professional care.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: Because Dentinogenesis Imperfecta weakens tooth structure, proactive dental care, including protective treatments, is vital to minimize the risk of tooth breakage and infection.
• Tooth Abrasion: Early detection of tooth abrasion allows for timely intervention, such as adjusting brushing techniques or using fluoride treatments, minimizing further enamel loss and preventing future problems.
• Canker Sore: Though often benign, recurring or unusually severe canker sores warrant a dental checkup to rule out any underlying oral health problems and prevent complications.
• 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. Thomas DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Carriere Distalizer™ Appliance: The Carriere Distalizer™ is a specialized orthodontic appliance that helps gently guide your molars into better alignment, preventing future crowding and bite problems.
• i-CAT® 3D Dental Imaging: With i-CAT® 3D imaging, you can get a comprehensive view of your oral health, enabling your dentist to catch and treat issues like impacted wisdom teeth or jawbone abnormalities before they become major problems.
• Snap-On-Smile®: Snap-On-Smile® provides an immediate improvement in the aesthetics of your smile, without the need for extensive dental procedures.
• 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.
• Propel® Orthodontics: Propel® Orthodontics offers a modern approach to orthodontic treatment, improving your bite and reducing your risk of future dental issues, including tooth decay and gum disease.
• Root Canal: A root canal helps save a severely infected tooth by removing the damaged pulp and preventing further infection or tooth loss, preserving your natural smile.
• Dental Filling: Taking charge of your oral health, a dental filling addresses tooth damage and helps prevent more serious issues such as infections or tooth loss.

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. Thomas 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 addressing sensitive teeth early, a patient proactively reduced the risk of further tooth decay and discomfort, enjoying a healthier, more comfortable smile.
• By understanding the factors that trigger outbreaks and practicing good oral hygiene, a patient successfully managed their herpes simplex virus, reducing the frequency and severity of their symptoms. This proactive approach provided them with the peace of mind to live their life fully.
• By following a proactive dental hygiene plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of oral infections, gaining peace of mind about their overall oral health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Thomas DDS:

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

At Dr. Thomas DDS, we recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows us to remove tartar buildup that daily brushing can't, detect cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with meticulous 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?

Your oral health is significantly connected to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health and overall body health.

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 seal out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

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 your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays are extremely safe, using very low levels of radiation. They allow Dr. Thomas DDS to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Thomas 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.

1601 N Federal Hwy
Lake Worth FL 33460
Phone: (561) 582-5322

Dr. Thomas Pirkle, 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): 1255348009

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. Thomas 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.