Dentist in Lithia - Dr. Joseph Wareham - Lithia, FL Family Dentistry

The word periodontal means “around the tooth”.  Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth.  Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva.  If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar).  When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone.  Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it!  Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in...

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection.  In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function. Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed.  Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but...

Cracked and fractured teeth are common dental problems. As people retain their natural teeth longer (due to advances in dental technology), the likelihood of cracked teeth increases. There are many reasons why teeth may crack, for example, biting on hard objects, trauma, grinding and clenching of teeth. All of these behaviors place the teeth under extra strain and render them more susceptible to cracking. When tooth enamel is cracked, pain can become momentarily debilitating. In the absence of pressure on the crack, there may be no...

While most dental surgery is performed on an out-patient basis, it remains an involved procedure that requires specific preparation and aftercare.  In an effort to provide safe, comfortable care, we encourage you to review our pre- and post-operative instructions, which are intended to facilitate a smooth operation and safer recovery. If you have any questions or concerns about your surgery, please contact our practice today.