Karen Austin, RDH

Karen Austin, RDH is a Dental Hygienist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive dental hygiene care. As a registered provider with the Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she provides essential preventive services at her clinic in Tampa, FL. General dental hygienists are your primary partners in preventive oral care, empowering you with cleanings, screenings, patient education, and long-term health plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, ultimately contributing to your overall wellness. She serves all ages and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Karen RDH, a dental hygienist in Tampa, FL, understands the vital role preventive care plays in maintaining overall health. Her focus is on proactive strategies, ensuring that patients receive the education and tools needed to maintain healthy smiles and overall well-being. She recognizes that a strong partnership between patient and provider is key to successful long-term health management. Patients should call (813) 972-7511 to confirm if Dr. Karen RDH is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Karen RDH provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Karen RDH 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. Karen RDH 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. Karen RDH 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 Mucous Membrane Disease: Regular dental checkups allow for the early detection of oral mucous membrane diseases, enabling prompt treatment and minimizing the risk of severe complications.
• Malignant Tumor of Gum: Regular dental checkups, including screenings for oral cancer, are crucial for early detection of gum tumors, allowing for timely treatment and improving the chances of a positive outcome.
• Dental Disorders: Protecting your teeth and gums from damage requires understanding your individual risks for dental disorders and adopting preventive measures tailored to your needs.
• Tooth Malformation: Addressing tooth malformation proactively, through preventative dental care, helps protect against food trapping and bacteria buildup, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Gingival Fibromatosis: Overgrown gums, a symptom of gingival fibromatosis, can increase your risk of gum disease if not regularly monitored by a dentist; preventative care includes professional cleanings and early intervention.
• Protruding Front Teeth: Addressing protruding front teeth early on can prevent difficulties with biting, chewing, and speaking, demonstrating the value of preventative dental hygiene.
• Malocclusion (Bad Bite): Don't let a bad bite put your oral health at risk; catching malocclusion early through screenings allows for timely correction and prevention of complications like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

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

• Teeth Polishing: A smooth, polished tooth surface is less prone to staining and bacterial accumulation, giving you a brighter smile and lower risk of dental problems; it's a key element of preventive care.
• Desensitizing Therapy (Dental): Sensitive teeth causing you trouble? Desensitizing therapy is a simple treatment to alleviate pain and improve your overall dental experience.
• Prophy Jet Air Polishing: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with Prophy Jet Air Polishing; it's a thorough cleaning that helps remove surface stains and prevent gum disease.
• DIAGNOdent® Laser Cavity Detection: Take a proactive step towards cavity prevention with DIAGNOdent® laser technology, which helps detect cavities even before they're visible on x-rays.
• Fluoride Varnish: Fluoride varnish is a protective coating applied to your teeth to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities, safeguarding your smile's health.
• Microsonic Dental Cleanings: Early detection is key to a healthy mouth! Microsonic cleanings provide a detailed examination that helps identify potential issues like cavities or gum disease before they become major problems.
• ViziLite® Plus: ViziLite® Plus is a simple, painless screening tool used during your dental visit that aids your dentist in detecting subtle changes in your mouth's tissues, helping prevent oral cancer through early detection.

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 Dental Hygiene Services in Florida.

Dr. Karen RDH is dedicated to partnering with Dental Hygienists 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 attending regular dental checkups, a patient was able to detect an oral mucous membrane issue early, enabling prompt treatment and minimizing the risk of future complications. This proactive approach gave the patient peace of mind and confidence in their oral health.
• By attending regular dental checkups and screenings, a patient discovered a potential issue early, significantly reducing their risk of a malignant gum tumor and gaining peace of mind.

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 Dental Hygiene care with Dr. Karen RDH:

What is a Dental Hygienist, and what is their primary role in my oral health?

A Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) is a licensed oral healthcare professional specializing in preventive care. Their primary role is to prevent oral disease through professional cleanings, screenings, and patient education on home care.

Why do I need a professional cleaning if I brush and floss every day?

While daily brushing and flossing are excellent, they can't remove all plaque. This plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by professional cleaning. Regular cleanings are crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease.

What happens during a routine dental cleaning appointment?

During your routine cleaning with Dr. Karen RDH, we'll review your medical history, perform an oral cancer screening, remove plaque and tartar buildup, polish your teeth, and provide personalized oral hygiene instructions to maintain and improve your oral health.

How does fluoride treatment help prevent cavities?

Fluoride, a natural mineral, strengthens tooth enamel. A professional fluoride treatment makes tooth surfaces more resistant to the acids produced by plaque bacteria, preventing cavities and even reversing early decay.

What is the purpose of an oral cancer screening?

Oral cancer screenings are simple, painless examinations to visually inspect the tongue, gums, cheeks, and other soft tissues for any abnormalities. Early detection is key to successful treatment, making these screenings a potentially life-saving preventative measure.

Do you offer teeth whitening services?

Yes, we offer professional teeth whitening services. We provide both in-office treatments and custom take-home trays for optimal results. Our professional guidance ensures a safe and effective process to brighten your smile while minimizing sensitivity.

Are x-rays taken at every visit?

X-rays are not taken at every visit; instead, they are based on individual needs and risk factors. They are a crucial preventive tool for detecting issues between the teeth and under the gums, which are often unseen. Our practice uses modern digital x-rays with minimal radiation.

What is scaling and root planing, and how is it different from a regular cleaning?

Scaling and root planing is a deeper cleaning than a regular cleaning. A regular cleaning, or prophylaxis, focuses on preventing gum disease. Scaling and root planing is a therapeutic procedure to treat active gum disease by removing tartar and bacteria below the gumline.

13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-7511

Karen Austin, RDH 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): 1053523985

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. Dental Hygiene Services like Dr. Karen RDH 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 dental hygiene about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.