Doctor Profile
Dr. David Tarnowski, has dedicated his professional career to providing honest, high quality and straight forward dentistry. Dr. Tarnowski uses the latest dental materials, equipment and techniques in order to reduce patient anxiety, produce quality restorations, and shorten appointment times. To produce the best individually tailored dental treatment, Dr. Tarnowski believes communication, education and understanding between doctor and patient is essential. In a place where many people fear, Dr. Tarnowski and his team constantly strive to create a warm and friendly environment.As a 2006 graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Tarnowski has completed several continuing education courses including esthetics, Invisalign, laser tissue management, and anxiolysis.
Dr. Tarnowski and his wife have lived in the Tampa Bay area for 16 years and enjoy the company of great friends and the many activities Florida has to offer.
General
General Dentistry
The moment you step foot inside HealthNow Dental Care, you’ll notice a difference. A caring and professional team will welcome you to our clean and comfortable office; designed with your needs in mind. You’ll find yourself in a soothing, cozy ambiance that might even make you forget you’re in a dental office. We know that each patient who walks in our door is different, and we treat everyone in a way that lets them know they are appreciated and respected. We are here to cater to your needs and to provide comfort throughout your treatment. We go to great lengths to ensure you get the attention that you and your health deserve!Our doctors use state-of-the-art technologies used in our office in order to provide you with the best possible dental service and experience. You can trust that the treatments provided by our team are performed using the latest techniques, materials, and equipment available.
We welcome any questions on the technologies we choose for our office and our patients. An opportunity to educate you on our passion, total body health through dentistry, makes our day! We want the best for you – our HealthNow family.
Endodontics
An endodontist is a specialist in the area of soft tissue inside the tooth. Endodontists, who perform root canals, receive advanced education after graduating from dental school and typically only deal with endodontic-related problems.A common misconception is that a root canal is an uncomfortable procedure. Actually, root canals are similar to having a cavity filled, producing minimal discomfort.
Common causes for the need of endodontic treatment:
- Inflamed/infected tooth pulp
- Severe sensitivity to hot and cold elements
- Tooth decay
- Chipped or broken tooth
- Blow to the tooth
- Swelling or tenderness near the infected tooth
- Repeated dental procedures on a tooth
PERIODONTICS
Periodontal simply means “the tissue around the teeth.” Periodontists specialize in the treatment and surgery of this area, which is often characterized by gum disease. Plaque is the most common element causing gum disease.Unfortunately, periodontal-related problems are often discovered after they have persisted for an extended period of time. Proper oral hygiene, daily dental care and regular dental checkups will minimize the risk of gum disease. Gum disease ranges from mild (gingivitis) to moderate (periodintitis) to the severe (periodontitis). Treatments are available for every case of gum disease.
Common problems associated with gum disease:
- “Long” teeth (receding gum lines expose the root portions of your teeth)
- Discolored or deteriorating tooth structure
- Gum depressions (holes in between the teeth in the gum tissue)
- Infected gum line (discoloration or inflammation of the gum tissue)
- Tooth loss or tooth movement
Please contact our office for a periodontal evaluation.
Exams
The health of your teeth and mouth is very important to the well-being of your entire body, and while routine brushing and flossing at home is necessary to keep your smile looking its best, visiting your dentist for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist every six months to ensure your teeth stay healthy and your smile stays beautiful.By routinely seeing your dentist for exams and cleanings, you can:
- Prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath
- Save money by avoiding costly and extensive dental procedures
- Keep your teeth white by reducing staining from food and drinks
- Shorten the time spent in your dentist's office
- Have a smile that will last a lifetime
The Exam
During your exam, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. Your dentist may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Whether these X-rays are traditional or digital, the images provided will help your dentist discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.Professional Cleanings
Your dental hygienist will begin your cleaning by exploring the surface of your teeth to determine if you have any cavities and to examine the quality of existing fillings. The dental hygienist will then perform a periodontal exam to make sure your gums adhere tightly to your teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss may be occurring.Next, your hygienist will carefully clean your teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from your teeth. Then your hygienist will floss your teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride. Cleanings usually aren't painful, but if you have any anxiety about your dental exam, be sure to let your hygienist know. They may offer several sedation options to ensure your comfort. If your dentist or hygienist finds tooth decay or gum disease, they will talk to you about changing your brushing or flossing habits. In severe cases, they may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your teeth and gums appear to be healthy, your dentist will probably recommend that you continue your brushing and flossing routine as usual.
RESTORATIVE
Crowns
A dental crown is a custom-made covering that fits over an original tooth that is either decayed, damaged or cracked. Crowns are made of a variety of different materials such as porcelain, gold, acrylic resin or a mix of these materials. Porcelain generally has the most natural appearance, although it is often less durable.The treatment plan for a patient receiving a dental crown involves:
1. Numbing the tooth to remove the decay in or around it.
2. Re-sculpturing the tooth to provide an ideal fit for the crown.
3. Making an impression of your teeth in order to create a custom-made crown (usually takes one to two weeks).
4. Making a temporary crown out of acrylic resin and fitting it onto the tooth during the interim period when the custom-made crown is being created.
5. Applying the custom-made crown (when received from the lab) by removing the temporary crown and fitting the custom-made one onto the tooth.
6. After ensuring that the crown has the proper look and fit, the dentist cements it into place.
This process generally consists of a minimum of two to three visits over a three to four week period. Once the procedure is completed, proper dental hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, is required to maintain healthy, bacteria-free teeth, gums and crowns. This helps in the prevention of gum disease. Given proper care, your crowns can last a lifetime.
Bridges
A dental bridge is a device that fills a space that a tooth previously occupied. A bridge may be necessary to prevent:- Shifting of the teeth that can lead to bite problems (occlusion) and/or jaw problems and resultant periodontal disease.
- Bridges safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.
- A fixed bridge is the most popular and consists of a filler tooth that is attached to two crowns, which fit over the existing teeth and hold the bridge in place.
- The “Maryland” bridge is commonly used to replace missing front teeth and consists of a filler that is attached to metal bands that are bonded to the abutment teeth. The metal bands consist of a white-colored composite resin that matches existing tooth color.
- The cantilever bridge is often used when there are teeth on only one side of the span. A typical three-unit cantilever bridge consists of two crowned teeth positioned next to each other on the same side of the missing tooth space. The filler tooth is then connected to the two crowned teeth, which extend into the missing tooth space or end.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for permanent or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.Dental implants are designed to look, feel and function like your own natural teeth. Implants can restore the aesthetics of your smile, or act as a great anchor for dentures or other cosmetic dental work.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?
- Improved appearance
- Improved self-esteem
- Improved speech
- Improved oral health
- Improved comfort
- Durability
- Easier eating
- Convenience
CAN ANYONE GET DENTAL IMPLANTS?
In general, if you have lost teeth you are a candidate for dental implants. In most cases, anyone healthy enough to have a routine dental extraction or oral surgery could be considered for dental implants. Patients need to have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant in place. However, there are some conditions and diseases that can affect whether dental implants are right for you.HOW DO IMPLANT TOOTH REPLACEMENTS DIFFER FROM TEETH?
Natural teeth and dental implants feel the same, function in a similar way, and even look the same, but they are very different. The most important differences are in the way they attach to the surrounding bone, their response to dental disease, their maintenance, and how they are repaired.Root Canals
A root canal is a procedure that extracts decayed pulp from the central part of the tooth, reshapes the canal and replaces it with strengthening filler.A cavity is the result of superficial decay of the enamel of the tooth. Left long enough, this decay can burrow into the deeper reaches of the tooth, causing extensive damage to tooth structure. When the damage goes beyond what can be treated with a filling, dentists can perform a root canal (or endodontics), preserving the tooth and retaining its original integrity; thereby, saving a tooth that in the past would have to have been pulled.
PROCEDURE:
- The patient undergoes anesthesia.
- A dental dam is used to isolate the tooth.
- The tooth is opened to allow for removal of infected or dead dental pulp.
- The tooth is comprehensively cleaned, including any cracks and canals.
- With special tools, the doctor reshapes the canals.
- The tooth is filled again with cutting edge biocompatible filling material.
- A temporary covering is used to cover the access opening.
- Patients MUST see their regular dentist quickly for a permanent restoration of the tooth.
COSMETIC
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is dental treatment aimed to create a positive change to the appearance of your teeth and your overall smile. Cosmetic dentistry is more than just tooth whitening and veneers; a cosmetic dentist provides much more.A knowledgeable, experienced cosmetic dentist can improve the appearance of your smile, which in turn will increase your self-esteem and confidence.
WHAT A COSMETIC DENTIST DOES
Cosmetic dentistry has changed drastically through the years, from tooth restoration and replacing damaged teeth to covering a wide scope of aesthetic treatments and procedures.Cosmetic dentistry includes tooth whitening, veneers and bonding, tooth restorations and fillings, dental implants, gum lifts, and more.
Teeth Whitening – Also called “teeth bleaching” whitens your teeth from discoloration and/or staining giving you a beautiful smile. This treatment can be done in the convenience of your own home or in the dental office. It’s important to consult your dentist before undergoing tooth whitening since not everyone is a good candidate.
Shaping – Enamel shaping is the process where the dentist reshapes the tooth by filing or removing some of the tooth’s enamel.
Bonding – Bonding is the process in which the dentist will adhere tooth-colored materials to the tooth. This can be used to repair a broken or chipped tooth or simply to improve the appearance of a tooth.
For more information on veneers, crowns and other cosmetic dentistry, please contact us. Whatever your age, it’s never too late for a beautiful smile.
Teeth Whitening
Your teeth will darken over time. Changes in the color of your teeth can be caused by such factors as the food and beverages consumed (like coffee, tea and soda). Other known factors for discoloration may include childhood medications or illnesses, tobacco use or improper oral hygiene. Restoring your natural white smile is a priority for our dental teeth whitening team. We can provide a variety of options for whitening your smile.Teeth whitening services are growing in popularity, and it’s one of the most requested services offered by our practice here in HealthNow Dental. Everyone sees the growing consumer market focused on whiter teeth. The reality is that over-the-counter, “too good to be true” solutions typically don’t work.
We are trained professionals using industry-approved methods. Our goal is to meet the needs of every patient, and every patient’s needs are different. One of the methods used by our practice is a gentle hydrogen-peroxide gel-activated solution. Our process will whiten your entire smile in one visit. Call us today for a whitening evaluation.
Nothing improves your appearance more than a bright, white smile!
Veneers
Dental Veneers are thin, semi-translucent “shells” typically attached to your front teeth. Veneers are customized from porcelain material that is bonded to your teeth. Veneers are a great alternative to otherwise painful dental procedures to improve the appearance of your smile.Common problems that veneers are used for:
- Spaces between the teeth
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Unsightly, stained or discolored teeth
- Permanently stained or discolored teeth
- Crooked or misshapen teeth
Please contact our office if you have any further questions on veneers.
Bonding
COMPOSITE BONDING
Bonding is a common solution for:- Fixing or repairing chipped or cracked teeth
- Reducing unsightly gaps or spaces between teeth
- Hiding discoloration or faded areas on the tooth’s surface
- Often, composite bonding is used to improve the appearance of your teeth and enhance your smile. As the name indicates, composite material, either a plastic or resin, is bonded to an existing tooth. Unlike veneers or crowns, composite bonding removes little, if any, of the original tooth.
- It is a quick process, which typically lasts less than one hour.
- It does not reduce the tooth’s original structure and is relatively inexpensive.
- Composite resins come in many different shades and provide better matching of shades to the natural color of your teeth.
- Composite bonds, however, are not as durable and long-lasting as veneers and crowns and may need to be re-touched or replaced in the future.
- Composite bonds stain more easily and therefore require proper care and regular cleaning. In order to ensure the longest possible duration of the bonding, composites should be brushed and flossed daily. Common staining elements include coffee, tea, tobacco, foods and candy.
