Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Dental insurance is a valuable benefit that helps lower the cost of dental treatments that you would otherwise pay out of pocket. At our Brandon, FL, dental office, we accept many PPO insurances, including but not limited to Aetna, Ameritas, Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Principal, and United Healthcare.

If your insurance isn’t listed here, there’s a good chance we do accept it, so please call our Brandon, FL, dental office at (813) 689-5928. We do not accept Medicaid, HMOs or DMOs. We accept some Medicare; please contact our insurance coordinator for more details.

We’ll Help You Understand Your Benefits

We understand that navigating the world of dental insurance with co-pays, deductibles, exclusions, and all the other factors that dictate what you pay out of pocket can be daunting.

Our dental team is very knowledgeable about how dental insurance works and will be happy to determine what your approximate out-of-pocket costs will be before we begin treatment. Our insurance coordinator will do everything possible to ensure you receive everything you’re entitled to under your plan.

We will also help you complete and submit all the necessary insurance forms to maximize reimbursements.

Call Us with Your Dental Insurance Questions

At Walker & Barr, DMD, we do everything to make high-quality dental care affordable and will be happy to work with your needs. If you are uninsured, we also accept cash, major credit cards, and third-party financing through CareCredit.

While every dental insurance plan is different, unfortunately, most don't tend to cover dental implants. While there may be some coverage for the crown of your dental implant, insurance never fully covers any procedure except for preventive care in some cases. So, you will always have an out-of-pocket expense for major dental treatment.  

The best way to determine what your dental benefit coverage may be is to contact our team at (813) 689-5928 and speak with one of our knowledgeable team members who can help you navigate and understand your dental benefits. 

We Want You to Get the Treatment You Need

We work closely with our patients to help them find creative ways to fit their dental treatment into their budgets. 

CareCredit may be an excellent option for you if you'd like to pay for your dental treatment over time. CareCredit offers several different plans, and some are even interest-free for qualified patients. 

If you're looking at a more extensive treatment plan, you may be able to complete the procedures in phases in order to fit it more comfortably into your budget. 

We never want finances to stand in the way of the dental treatment you need or achieving your dream smile! Contact your Brandon, FL, dentist at (813) 689-5928 for more information about your payment options. 

Our dental office has been a proud part of the Brandon, FL, community for nearly 60 years! We are proud of our history and look forward to providing exceptional dentistry for our patients for many more years.

Our Dental Practice History

When Dr. Marlin D. Walker established this dental office in 1965, he was honored to be only the second full-time dentist in the entire Brandon area. In 1988, Dr. David Walker graduated from UF College of Dentistry and joined his father, Dr. Marlin, in practice.

In 1998, Dr. Marlin retired, and Dr. David’s friend and dental school classmate, Dr. Eric Raynal, brought his skills and personal touch to the practice for 23 years before retiring in 2019.

Dr. Sarah Barr joined the practice the same year, and she and Dr. David intend to carry on the tradition of quality dentistry and a family feel that our patients have come to expect.

We are grateful to our new and long-term family of patients who allow us to continue to serve them and do what we love—provide exceptional dentistry to our wonderful community.

We Welcome New Patients!

Dr. Walker and Dr. Barr love welcoming new patients to our Brandon, FL, dental office! We cater to patients with dental anxiety, and our goal is to redefine what a dental visit involves and show you a different, softer side of dentistry.

Please call us at (813) 689-5928 to schedule an appointment for your next dental exam and cleaning.

The team at Walker & Barr, DMD, understands that you have a busy life that can make it challenging to fit dental care into your schedule. We know your time is valuable, and our amazing dental team works together to ensure that all appointments are productive, efficient, and comfortable. 

Length of Dental Appointments

The length of your appointment corresponds to the nature and complexity of the treatment we provide. The times we allot for various procedures are:

• New patient dental exam: 1.5 hours 
• Teeth cleaning: 1 hour 
• Tooth fillings: 1 hour 
• Crowns and bridges: 2 hours 
• Dentures (full and partial): 1 hour
• ZOOM teeth whitening: 2 hours 
• BOTOX: 30 minutes

We Want You to Have a Great Experience

Other ways we improve the efficiency of your visits without compromising the level of dentistry we provide include:

• Leading-edge dental technology like laser dentistry and the use of digital impressions instead of time-consuming paste impressions
• Digital record-keeping that allows us to instantly access your patient history from anywhere in our office
• Experienced team members who work together to ensure your appointment flows smoothly from check-in to check-out. 

If you want to schedule an appointment for any of the services listed above, please call our Brandon, FL, dental office at (813) 689-5928.

Your general dentists in Brandon, FL, are the team that offers the full range of services you need to achieve and maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. So whether you're looking to maintain your dental health with a professional teeth cleaning and checkup, or need a tooth enhanced, replaced, or repaired, your team at Walker & Barr, DMD, has you covered. 

What Does General Dentistry Include?

Some of the general dentistry services you can expect to find in Brandon, FL include:

• Preventive teeth cleanings and checkups
• Gum disease treatment
• Tooth-colored fillings
• Dental crowns and bridges
• Tooth implants
• Root canal treatment
• Tooth extraction
• Treatment for TMJ & bruxism
• Professional teeth whitening
• Porcelain veneers

Emergency Dentistry When You Need It

Your general dentists in Brandon, FL, also provide emergency dentistry. Our team is here when you or a loved one has a tooth emergency. Our dentists make time in our daily schedule to see emergency patients, and we'll try to provide same-day treatment if it's possible.  

Contact Walker & Barr, DMD in Brandon, FL, Today!

If you're looking for a new dental home, we invite you to call our Brandon dental office at (813) 689-5928, or you can book an appointment online. 

Our birds are always well cared for by a team member who feeds them regularly and cleans the aviary every week. You'll see finches and quails, and you never have to worry about the birds escaping as they are housed in a safe and secure environment.

If you haven’t checked out modern dentures, you’re in for a pleasant surprise! Dentures today are made with materials that allow us to customize them to fit your unique smile for a natural appearance.

Dentures Customized for Your Unique Smile

At Walker & Barr, DMD, we have created custom dentures for hundreds of patients with beautiful, natural-looking, and long-lasting results. Dr. Walker and Dr. Barr understand the importance of a great-looking set of dentures and will schedule several appointments to ensure that you are delighted with the final result.

Our dentists will work closely with you to customize every detail of your full dentures, from the shade of the gum-colored base to the shape, size, and position of each tooth. 

An Improved Fit and Feel for Your Dentures

Modern dentures are made of a lighter-weight material than in the past, so they also feel more comfortable. Your custom dentures will also fit well because we customize them to closely follow the contours of your jaw.

If you are worried about dentures that shift and move unpredictably, we would love to explain the benefits of implant dentures and our convenient Teeth-in-a-Day® option.

Schedule a Dentures Consultation to Get Started

If you are looking for a dentures dentist in Brandon, FL, who will consider all your unique wants and desires when crafting replacement teeth, please call Walker & Barr, DMD.

Denture implants, or All-on-4® in Brandon, FL, are low-profile dentures fixed to the jaw with dental implants. We can often place your implants and dentures during a single office visit!

Your dentist evaluates you for implant dentistry and discusses tooth replacement options, including any needed pretreatments. At this evaluation, you’ll learn whether implant dentures suit you and how much they will cost.

Implant Dentures in Brandon, FL

Implant dentures rely on approximately four dental implant posts per arch. These posts are surgically placed in the jaw. These sturdy root replacements are strong enough to support a brand-new smile. And in many cases, we can place your teeth in a day in Brandon, FL.

Dental Implant Care and Upkeep

Even with full prosthetics, it’s essential to see your dentist in Brandon, FL regularly and keep your implanted smile clean. We recommend cleaning beneath the arch with a rinse and polishing the teeth with a dentist-approved brush and polish.

Good oral hygiene and excellent dental care prevent gum disease and implant failure.

Contact Your Dentist for Implants in Brandon, FL

To arrange your All-on-4 consultation with the dentist or if you have questions about tooth replacement, a helpful team member is standing by to help you today.

Your dentist in Brandon, FL is actually an excellent choice if you're considering getting BOTOX® injections. Here's why.

Dentists spend a great deal of time studying facial musculature and anatomy during their dental training, which helps them understand the right places to use BOTOX whether you're looking for relief from headaches or muscle pain or you'd like to improve your appearance by eliminating wrinkles and fine lines. 

They also use dental anesthetics for procedures like crowns, fillings, root canal treatment, etc. So their skills, knowledge, and training make them the ideal candidates for delivering comfortable, accurate, and pain-free injections.

Our dentists in Brandon, FL are certified BOTOX providers, which means they've received specific additional training in delivering BOTOX injections comfortably and accurately.

We use BOTOX at our dental practice to help patients who suffer from frequent headaches find relief or to minimize or eliminate the effects of teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism) that some patients experience. We can also help patients enhance their appearance and feel more youthful with regular BOTOX  injections.

Talk to Our Dentists About BOTOX in Brandon, FL

If you'd like to learn more about how BOTOX can benefit you, contact Walker & Barr, DMD in Brandon, FL at (813) 689-5928. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals!

While BOTOX® starts working immediately, it typically takes one to four days before you begin to see results. Most patients enjoy the full effects of their BOTOX injections 10–14 days after their procedure. 

Most patients can enjoy their results with BOTOX for about four months before needing to repeat the injection process. 

What Does BOTOX Help With?

BOTOX can be beneficial for our patients in several ways.

If you're looking to enhance your appearance, BOTOX is known for reducing or eliminating fine lines and wrinkles and laugh lines. 

BOTOX can also diminish the look of a "gummy smile" by relaxing the upper lip to create a more natural smile line. 

Treatment for TMD and Bruxism (Grinding)

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) can be uncomfortable and debilitating in some cases. BOTOX relaxes the muscles that cause bruxism so you can find relief from the jaw pain and frequent headaches that often accompany TMD. 

If you or a loved one is suffering from the uncomfortable symptoms of TMD, we encourage you to contact our Brandon, FL, dental office to learn more about how BOTOX treatment can help. 

You deserve relief! Contact Walker & Barr, DMD at (813) 689-5928 to learn more about BOTOX treatments.  

Aside from enhancing your facial appearance, our dentists also use BOTOX® to help patients with jaw joint (TMJ) pain, frequent headaches, and clenching and grinding (bruxism). 

Because BOTOX relaxes your muscles, it can be very effective in providing relief for patients who suffer from temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which can be very debilitating for some people. 

Bruxism can cause wear and tear to your teeth, as it often occurs at night while you sleep. Clenching and grinding your teeth can result in tooth fractures, breaking, excessive wear, and other damage. 

BOTOX provides relief from these concerns that can potentially last for three to four months before you need additional injections. 

Why Choose Your Dentist for BOTOX in Brandon, FL?

Your dentist is actually your best choice for delivering comfortable injections because they do it daily when they administer dental anesthetic. 

Their dental training also provided them with extensive knowledge of facial musculature and anatomy, which is beneficial for knowing which muscles to deliver BOTOX to.  

You don't have to suffer from TMJ pain! Relief is a phone call away. Contact your Brandon dentist at (813) 689-5928 to learn more about how we can use BOTOX to help you feel more comfortable. 

No, dental crowns cannot be whitened using traditional teeth whitening treatments. Crowns are made from materials like porcelain or ceramic, which don't respond to the bleaching agents used in whitening practices. These materials are chosen for their durability and ability to mimic the natural appearance of teeth, but they remain unaffected by whitening agents.

Whiten Your Teeth Before Getting a Dental Crown 

If you're considering whitening your natural teeth, it's essential to do so before getting a dental crown in Brandon, FL. This allows your dentist to match the crown to the desired shade of your natural teeth, ensuring a consistent and harmonious appearance. 

Once the crown is placed, it will not change color. Therefore, it's crucial to maintain the whiteness of your natural teeth through regular oral hygiene and periodic whitening treatments. This responsibility lies in your hands, and by doing so, you can ensure the longevity of your dental crown and the overall health of your teeth.

Call Our Brandon Dentist Today 

It's always best to consult with your dentist about the best timing for teeth whitening and crown placement to achieve the best aesthetic results. Please call us today at (813) 689-5928 to book your consultation with Dr. Walker. 

We know that breaking a tooth can be scary and upsetting! Dr. Walker and Dr. Barr provide the prompt treatment you need to restore your tooth and start smiling confidently again in no time.

Tooth-Colored Fillings and Bonding

The same tooth-colored composite resin material we use for fillings can be used for dental bonding. This material has aesthetic qualities similar to tooth enamel, which helps us create seamless repairs that are indistinguishable from the rest of the tooth.

First, we apply an etching liquid to the tooth to slightly roughen its surface. Next, we apply the composite material while it is still in a putty-like state and gradually build it up, layer by layer, to match the tooth’s contours.

We harden each layer of material with a curing light, and the final result is a seamless broken tooth repair.

Dental Crowns Protect Broken Teeth

If the tooth break is so extensive that it compromises the tooth’s ability to function on its own, our dentist will likely recommend a dental crown.

Crowns are commonly called tooth caps or just caps and are designed to surround the tooth to protect it from further damage. The dental crown also restores the tooth’s strength so you can chew on it comfortably again.

Do You Need a Solution for a Broken Tooth?

If you have a broken tooth and need emergency dentistry at our Brandon, FL, dental office, please call us at (813) 689-5928, and we’ll take great care of you and your smile!

Dental crowns are instrumental in restoring the health, function, and aesthetics of your teeth. They play a major role in maintaining a strong, healthy, and beautiful smile.

1. Repairing and Restoring Teeth 

If your tooth is significantly decayed or damaged, you might need a dental crown. When a cavity is too large to be repaired with a filling, a crown can cover and protect the remaining tooth structure, preventing further decay and preserving the tooth.

A cracked or fractured tooth is another common reason for needing a dental crown. Crowns can hold the tooth together and restore its function, especially when damage affects the chewing surface. If you have undergone root canal therapy, a crown is often necessary to strengthen the treated tooth, as it can become brittle and prone to breaking.

2. Enhancing Smile Aesthetics   

Cosmetic dental crowns can transform your smile. If you have a tooth that’s severely discolored, misshapen, or poorly aligned, a crown can work wonders. It can improve the tooth's appearance, creating a more uniform and attractive smile. 

3. Replacing Missing Teeth  

Dental crowns are essential components of dental bridges, where they serve as anchors for replacing missing teeth.

Call us at (813) 689-5928 to schedule your consultation at our dental office in Brandon.

Dental implants require a surgical procedure to place them into your jawbone. There, they will heal and integrate, replacing your lost tooth root and becoming part of your dental anatomy.  

As with any surgical procedure, a few risks are associated with it; however, the good news is that they are typically minor. Dental implants in Brandon are a highly reliable procedure with a 95 percent success rate. 

What You Should Know about Tooth Implants

Some of the risks associated with dental implants to be aware of are:

• Infection — An infection of the bone can cause an implant to fail.
• Sinus problems — Implants on the upper arch can be problematic if they penetrate the sinuses.
• Peri-implantitis—This is periodontal disease or a bacterial infection of the bone housing the implant. It could cause implant failure.
• Nerve damage — This is rare, but if implant placement surgery causes nerve damage, it can result in numbness in the lips, teeth, or gums. 

Contact Walker and Barr, DMD 

At Walker and Barr, DMD, we partner with highly experienced and trusted local oral surgeons to assist with dental implant placement surgery to ensure our patients achieve the best outcomes and results for their smiles. 

Contact your Brandon implant dentist at (813) 689-5928 to learn how we can restore your smile with dental implants. 

One of the excellent advantages of dental implants is their longevity. With the proper care, tooth implants in Brandon have the potential to last for many years and even a lifetime in some cases. Here's what you should know about caring for your dental implant. 

Dental Implant Care 101

Infection is a tooth implant's worst enemy, as it could cause failure. The good news is that proper daily brushing and flossing can easily prevent dental infections. Since your implant closely mimics your natural tooth, it's easy to brush and floss around it just as you would your natural teeth. 

Consistent bi-annual visits with your Brandon dentist will ensure your dental implant is healthy and functioning correctly. Your dentist will monitor it with routine exams and yearly x-rays, so you'll be promptly aware if any potential problems are developing with your tooth implant.  

Dental implants also protect your jawbone from the deterioration that occurs with tooth loss. This ensures their continued longevity and promotes good bone health.  

Are You Interested in Dental Implants in Brandon?

Our dentists at Walker and Barr, DMD, can help determine if dental implants are right for your smile during an evaluation. Give us a call at (813) 689-5928 to schedule. 

Denture implants, or All-on-4® in Brandon, FL, are low-profile dentures fixed to the jaw with dental implants. We can often place your implants and dentures during a single office visit!

Your dentist evaluates you for implant dentistry and discusses tooth replacement options, including any needed pretreatments. At this evaluation, you’ll learn whether implant dentures suit you and how much they will cost.

Implant Dentures in Brandon, FL

Implant dentures rely on approximately four dental implant posts per arch. These posts are surgically placed in the jaw. These sturdy root replacements are strong enough to support a brand-new smile. And in many cases, we can place your teeth in a day in Brandon, FL.

Dental Implant Care and Upkeep

Even with full prosthetics, it’s essential to see your dentist in Brandon, FL regularly and keep your implanted smile clean. We recommend cleaning beneath the arch with a rinse and polishing the teeth with a dentist-approved brush and polish.

Good oral hygiene and excellent dental care prevent gum disease and implant failure.

Contact Your Dentist for Implants in Brandon, FL

To arrange your All-on-4 consultation with the dentist or if you have questions about tooth replacement, a helpful team member is standing by to help you today.

General dentistry is a branch of dentistry focused on maintaining oral health for patients of all ages through a combination of preventive care and early diagnosis and treatment. In most cases, a general dentist is an individual’s (or a family’s) primary dental care provider and is vital providing educating patients about proper oral hygiene practices and ensuring that minor dental issues do not turn into serious problems.

General dentists offer a range of dental services, including checkups, teeth cleanings, dental fillings, root canals, extractions, and cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening. Broadly speaking, general dentists tend to focus on treating more common issues, and, in cases in which specialized treatment beyond the general dentist’s expertise is required, will typically provide a referral to a specialist.

In short, this comprehensive care, along with early detection and treatment of a variety of dental problems, makes general dentistry foundational to the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. It’s for this reason that a minimum of two visits per year to one’s general dentist are recommended.

General Dentistry in Brandon, FL

If you’re in the Brandon, FL area and would like to learn more about any of a wide range of dental treatments and procedures, contact dentist Dr. Sarah Barr and the team at Walker Barr, DMD to schedule a consultation!

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, develops as a result of untreated bacterial buildup on the gums, which becomes plaque. Which, if also neglected, becomes tartar. Treatment for gum disease is typically a multi-step process that aims to control infection, reduce inflammation, and prevent serious damage to the gums, teeth, and supporting structures. Timely intervention is crucial to effectively treating gum disease and preserving long-term oral health.

In its milder forms, gum disease is treated non-surgically, with procedures like scaling and root planing, in which:

• Plaque and tartar are removed from the surfaces of the teeth above and below the gumline.
• Any infection in the tooth structure is treated.
• Root surfaces are smoothed in order to promote gum reattachment.

In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be required. Common surgical treatments for advanced gum disease include flap surgery, in which the gums are lifted for deep cleaning and repositioning, and grafts to regenerate lost gum and bone tissue.

After any of these treatments, good oral hygiene practices (e.g., daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash) and regular follow-up appointments with a dentist or periodontist are crucial to prevent a recurrence.

Gum Disease Treatments in Brandon, FL

If you’re in the Brandon, FL area and would like to learn more about how to prevent and treat gum disease, contact dentist Dr. Sarah Barr and the team at Walker Barr, DMD to schedule a consultation!

Dental veneers are ultra-thin slivers of porcelain that our dentists use to cover the front surface of your teeth, which eliminates many cosmetic imperfections like:

• Gaps between teeth
• Tooth size discrepancies
• Oddly shaped teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Slight tooth misalignment concerns
• Stained or discolored teeth

Our dentists can repair one tooth or completely redesign your smile with porcelain veneers in Brandon, FL. Veneers bond directly to your tooth for a flawless finish. Direct bonding also keeps your tooth strong.

It typically takes two appointments to complete your new smile. Our dentists prepare your teeth for their new restorations during the first visit. You'll leave this appointment with temporary veneers to wear while our trusted dental lab handcrafts your veneers. This usually takes two to three weeks.

When your final veneers are ready, you'll return to our Brandon dental office to have them permanently placed.

You'll be able to brush and floss easily around your dental veneers, so home care and maintenance of your smile is a breeze.

Contact Walker & Barr, DMD for Veneers in Brandon, FL

If you'd like to learn more about dental veneers or other possibilities for your smile, contact our team online or call (813) 689-5928 to book an evaluation with one of our dentists. 

Most dentists agree that twice-yearly dental checkups and teeth cleanings help patients achieve and maintain excellent oral health. Teeth cleanings are crucial even if you brush and floss after every meal and enjoy a healthy diet.

Tartar and plaque buildup on teeth introduces acids that eat away at the enamel. Soon, you have cavities.

Unfortunately, brushing and flossing are not enough to clear stubborn tartar. Additionally, toothbrushes cannot reach clean hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. For thorough cleaning, you need your Brandon, FL, dental team!

Professional Teeth Cleaning and Home Care

Besides lowering your cavity risks, teeth cleanings also help protect you from oral infections and gum disease.

Gum disease can mean tooth loss, and it has also been linked to severe health complications like heart issues, specific types of dementia, and premature labor.

Between dental cleanings in Brandon, FL, it’s crucial to implement an excellent oral care routine at home, and always call our dental office at (813) 689-5928 if you have any questions or dental health concerns.

Is It Time for Your Next Professional Teeth Cleaning in Brandon, FL?

If it’s time for your next teeth cleaning or you have neglected to visit the dentist in a while, we encourage you to reach out to Walker & Barr, DMD, in Brandon, FL, at (813) 689-5928 to arrange a thorough checkup and teeth cleaning.

Most dentists, including your dentists in Brandon, FL, encourage two checkups and teeth cleanings each year. Studies have found that this schedule reduces your risks for preventable conditions like tooth decay and gum disease.

If you have gum disease or are undergoing treatment for a specific issue, you may have to visit the dentist more often.

Preventive Dentistry for Healthy Teeth & Gums

Your routine dental checkup includes an oral cancer screening coupled with a visual exam. Sometimes, your dentist orders x-rays if we suspect an underlying issue. Your teeth cleaning involves relaxing in the dental chair while the hygienist removes built-up and hidden plaque from your teeth and gums.

Your role in prevention is brushing and flossing twice daily or after every meal. If you notice anything between visits, you should also report oral changes to our dental team.

Remember, even if you brush and floss regularly, these great habits are not enough to prevent gingivitis and tooth decay.

Schedule a Visit with Your Dentist in Brandon, FL Today!

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is our top priority. So, if you’re new to the area and looking to establish dental care or haven’t been in to see us in a while, reach out to a team member today to schedule a visit to Walker & Barr, DMD.

We understand that, for many people, it's a challenge to seek oral health care, especially those who have had a negative experience in the past. At Walker & Barr, DMD, we cater to patients with dental anxiety. Our mission is to redefine what our patients expect of the dental experience and offer a different, softer side of dentistry.

A Comfortable, Welcoming Dental Office

You'll see it reflected in the layout of our modern dental office, where all treatment rooms have a view of our soothing bird aviary. You'll experience it when seated in your comfortable dental chair with a pillow and cozy blanket.

We also welcome you to bring your headphones for additional comfort!

Nitrous Oxide ("Laughing Gas") for Relaxation 

If you require a little more relaxation, we offer comforting nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas. Nitrous is perfect for any procedure because it soothes anxious feelings, and the calming effects dissipate quickly so you can safely drive yourself home from your appointment.

Call to Schedule a Dental Appointment

Dr. Walker, Dr. Barr, and their incredible dental team would love to welcome you to our Brandon, FL, dental office to show you dentistry done differently. Please call us at (813) 689-5928 to schedule an appointment for your next exam and teeth cleaning.

No, dental crowns cannot be whitened using traditional teeth whitening treatments. Crowns are made from materials like porcelain or ceramic, which don't respond to the bleaching agents used in whitening practices. These materials are chosen for their durability and ability to mimic the natural appearance of teeth, but they remain unaffected by whitening agents.

Whiten Your Teeth Before Getting a Dental Crown 

If you're considering whitening your natural teeth, it's essential to do so before getting a dental crown in Brandon, FL. This allows your dentist to match the crown to the desired shade of your natural teeth, ensuring a consistent and harmonious appearance. 

Once the crown is placed, it will not change color. Therefore, it's crucial to maintain the whiteness of your natural teeth through regular oral hygiene and periodic whitening treatments. This responsibility lies in your hands, and by doing so, you can ensure the longevity of your dental crown and the overall health of your teeth.

Call Our Brandon Dentist Today 

It's always best to consult with your dentist about the best timing for teeth whitening and crown placement to achieve the best aesthetic results. Please call us today at (813) 689-5928 to book your consultation with Dr. Walker. 

Teeth whitening is a safe, effective way to brighten yellow, stained, and discolored teeth. At Walker & Barr, DMD, we offer the Sheer White! professional whitening strips and Zoom! in-office teeth whitening.

In-Office and Take-Home Teeth Whitening Options

The benefit of in-office whitening is that we complete it in one sitting, producing immediate, brilliant results. If you have a tight timeline for a wedding, reunion, job interview, or another event where you need to look your best, in-office teeth whitening in Brandon, FL, is the way to go!

You can also choose easy-to-use Sheer White! teeth whitening strips to brighten your smile at home. With at-home treatment, you control when and where to whiten and the level of brightness you want to achieve. Both methods are non-invasive and pain-free!

Whether your goal is to whiten your entire smile or focus on one discolored tooth, our dentists will recommend the right tooth whitening method to achieve your ideal results.

Brighten Your Dull Smile with Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is a great option to consider if you want to see a dramatic difference in your smile’s appearance without breaking your budget. Our dentists in Brandon, FL, always recommend a teeth cleaning before whitening, so call us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our treatment options.

The best TMJ treatment depends on the reason for the condition and the complexity or severity of your jaw joint disorder.

TMJ describes disorders or conditions of the temporomandibular joint—the hinge-like structure that joins your lower jaw to your skull.

When not functioning correctly, you may experience one or all of the following symptoms:

• Clicking sound in the joint
• Jaw pain and locking
• Head, neck, ear, and shoulder pain
• Tooth wear and damage

Tooth wear is common if TMJ results from bruxism (grinding your teeth).

TMJ Treatment in Brandon, FL

When it comes to the jaw joint, your dentist in Brandon, FL, is an expert and can diagnose and potentially treat the condition right here in our dental office.

Some popular ways we treat TMJ are appliance therapy, BOTOX® injections, and specific jaw exercises.

Appliance therapy means we fashion an oral appliance to fit over the teeth. Then, you wear it at night to take the stress off your jaw joints. Likewise, BOTOX relaxes the jaw joint muscles to promote healing.

Contact Your Dentist in Brandon, FL, for TMJ Treatment

TMJ and bruxism can be painful, and we want to help! Call Walker & Barr, DMD, today at (813) 689-5928 to learn more about TMJ and bruxism therapy in Brandon, FL, or if you’d like to schedule a consultation with the dentist.

It's essential to take good care of yourself after a tooth extraction so you can have a smooth and simple recovery. Your diet plays an integral role in the healing process, and it's best to stick to soft foods served at room temperature for the first few days after your surgery. 

Here are some ideas for what to eat after a tooth extraction:

• Applesauce
• Soup 
• Scrambled eggs
• Smoothies 
• Yogurt

Tooth Extraction Recovery Tips

The first few days after your surgery, it's important not to irritate the extraction site with spicy food. Sticking to soft, plain foods will help you heal. 

It's also critical not to drink from a straw or smoke cigarettes for at least 72 hours after your surgery. The sucking motion that these activities require can cause your blood clot to dislodge, which could lead to an uncomfortable condition called dry socket. Dry socket can prolong healing time and cause discomfort. 

Contact Our Dentists in Brandon, FL, to Learn More

Your team at Walker and Barr, DMD, is here to support you throughout your recovery from your tooth extraction in Brandon, FL. We encourage you to contact Walker & Barr, DMD, at (813) 689-5928 if you have any additional questions or concerns about your recovery. We also want you to call us right away if you experience any problems like excessive bleeding that won't stop.