Thomas J. Zanella, Dds, PA

General Practice Dentistry

Thomas J. Zanella, Dds, PA is a General Practice Dentistry practice in Clearwater, FL with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in preventing, diagnosing and treating dieases of the mouth, gums, and teeth. General Practice Dentists at Thomas J. Zanella, Dds, PA perform oral health preventative procedures, diagnostics, and treatments. General Practice Dentistry is a medical specialty focused on dental and oral healthcare. Significant diseases and conditions treated at General Practice Dentistry practices include plaque buildup on the gums and teeth, cavities, tooth decay, and mouth trauma. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by General Practice Dentistry practices include routine teeth cleanings, oral hygiene education, mouth x-rays, restoration procedures (like root canals, fillings, and crowns) as well as implant and denture delivery and maintenance.

A general dentist is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. The general dentist is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patients' oral health needs.

Dentistry

Thomas J. Zanella, Dds, PA is a Dentistry practice in Clearwater, FL with healthcare providers who have special training and skill in diagnosis and treatment of problems with patients' teeth, gums, lips, and jaw. Dentists at Thomas J. Zanella, Dds, PA perform dental procedures focused on prevention of oral diseases such as tooth decay and periodontal disease. Dentistry is a branch of medicine concerned with study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting the oral cavity. Significant diseases and conditions treated at Dentistry practices include tooth cavities, gum disease, bad breath, tooth sensitivity, mouth sores, tooth erosion, and dental emergencies. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Dentistry practices include dental examinations, filling cavities, removing tooth decay, repairing cracked teeth, performing root canals, and removing teeth.

A dentist is a person qualified by a doctorate in dental surgery (D.D.S.) or dental medicine (D.M.D.), licensed by the state to practice dentistry, and practicing within the scope of that license. There is no difference between the two degrees: dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. Universities have the prerogative to determine what degree is awarded. Both degrees use the same curriculum requirements set by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is required to graduate and become a general dentist. State licensing boards accept either degree as equivalent, and both degrees allow licensed individuals to practice the same scope of general dentistry. Additional post-graduate training is required to become a dental specialist.