Dr. Thomas Pulliam, DDS

Dr. Thomas Pulliam, 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, he practices at his clinic in Tampa, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to preventive care extends beyond the immediate oral cavity, emphasizing the crucial link between oral health and overall wellness.

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 proactive care is key, and he works closely with each patient, regardless of age, to develop a tailored strategy for maintaining optimal oral hygiene. All ages are welcome in his practice. Please call (813) 910-2345 to confirm if Dr. Thomas DDS is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Thomas Pulliam, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Tampa, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He prioritizes a patient-centered approach, understanding that open communication and shared decision-making are essential for achieving optimal outcomes. 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:

• Oral Cancer: Protecting your oral health includes being vigilant about oral cancer. Early detection through self-exams and professional screenings allows for less invasive and more effective treatments.
• Oral Lichenoid Lesions: Managing oral lichenoid lesions proactively is crucial for preserving your overall oral health; regular dental visits enable your dentist to monitor these lesions and address any issues before they escalate.
• Congenital Nasal Deformity: Because nasal breathing is crucial for proper oral health, a congenital nasal deformity might lead to mouth breathing, increasing cavity risk; early intervention can help manage this.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type III: Because Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type III, weakens tooth structure, proactive dental care, including preventative treatments, is essential to minimize the risk of tooth fracture and infection.
• Oral Submucous Fibrosis: Protecting your oral health involves being aware of oral submucous fibrosis, a condition that stiffens mouth tissues and can be prevented through lifestyle changes and early intervention.
• Pericoronitis: Preventing pericoronitis involves maintaining good oral hygiene, which reduces the risk of infection and inflammation around partially erupted teeth.
• Plicated Tongue: Managing a plicated tongue involves meticulous cleaning to reduce the risk of infection and cavities due to trapped food particles and bacteria, underscoring the benefits of proactive oral 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. Thomas DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Orthodontic Procedures: Orthodontics helps to correct overcrowding and misalignment of teeth, making it easier to brush and floss effectively and thus preventing cavities and gum disease.
• E4D Dentist® CAD-CAM System: The E4D Dentist® system helps ensure a precise fit and faster treatment for dental restorations, helping you avoid more extensive procedures down the line and maintaining your natural tooth structure.
• Cerinate One-Hour™ Permanent Veneer: Take a proactive step towards a healthier mouth with Cerinate One-Hour™ Permanent Veneers; they can enhance the aesthetics of your teeth and strengthen weakened enamel.
• Permanent Retainer: A permanent retainer helps keep your teeth straight after orthodontic treatment, preventing them from shifting and ensuring a healthy, long-lasting smile.
• Laser Cavity Detection: Protect your smile and overall health with laser cavity detection: an advanced screening tool that helps detect early signs of tooth decay, allowing for prompt treatment.
• Vibraject: Protect your smile and overall health with Vibraject, a simple, non-invasive screening method designed to detect early signs of oral problems that may affect your systemic health.
• Natra-Veneer: Take a proactive step towards a healthier smile with Natra-Veneer; it enhances your teeth's aesthetics and can help prevent future dental issues.

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 diligently following a proactive oral cancer screening plan, a patient achieved peace of mind, knowing that early detection significantly reduced the risk of future complications.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient proactively managed potential oral lichenoid lesions, ensuring the early detection of any issues and preserving their oral health. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in their long-term oral well-being.
• Recognizing the potential for mouth breathing and its impact on oral health, a family proactively sought guidance from a preventive dentist. Early intervention minimized the risk of future dental issues, providing peace of mind and a healthier future.

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 checkup and cleaning. This schedule 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, including heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. 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 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.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

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

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.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Thomas DDS can assess your oral health to ensure you're a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, for better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

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

4446 E Fletcher Ave Ste F
Tampa FL 33613
Phone: (813) 910-2345

Dr. Thomas Pulliam, 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): 1417965872

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.