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Frequently Asked Questions

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You’ll find answers to our most common dental questions below. If you have a question that isn’t listed, please call Dr. Thomas Bowles and Dr. Garrett Karow, proudly serving Sarasota, FL and nearby communities. We’re always happy to help.

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Dental FAQs

We recommend visiting the dentist every six months to keep your oral health on track. These regular exams allow us to identify concerns early and address them before they become more serious, helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums year-round.

Children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. Early appointments help establish good oral hygiene habits and allow us to monitor their dental growth and development from the start.

Yes. Pain is not always a reliable indicator of dental problems. Routine exams and X-rays allow us to detect issues before they become painful or require more extensive treatment. Addressing problems early helps prevent discomfort and keeps your mouth healthier in the long run.

A crown, sometimes called a “cap,” is a restoration that completely covers a natural tooth or an implant. Dr. Bowles has each crown custom-made by a dental laboratory to ensure the ideal fit, color, and shape. Crowns are often recommended for teeth with large, old fillings, decay, or fractures.

Strong oral health starts with good habits at home. Brushing and flossing daily help protect your teeth and gums from decay and periodontal disease. Regular dental checkups and fluoride treatments also play a key role in preventing problems and keeping your smile healthy as you age.

We offer many cosmetic and restorative options to enhance your smile, including orthodontic treatment, professional tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, and replacing old or dark fillings. Dr. Thomas A. Bowles & Associates will be happy to provide a complimentary consultation and a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals.

Periodontal disease is a chronic infection that affects the gums and the bone supporting your teeth. It develops when bacterial plaque, or “biofilm,” causes ongoing inflammation that damages gum tissue, bone, and connective structures. This condition is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and affects the majority of people at some point in their lives. Risk factors include genetics, smoking, stress, hormonal changes, diabetes, and inadequate oral hygiene.

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease and occurs when bacteria around the teeth irritate and inflame the gums. This can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding. Regular dental cleanings are essential to prevent gingivitis from progressing into more advanced gum disease. During your hygiene visits, our team will review proper brushing and flossing techniques to help you maintain excellent oral health at home.

Tooth whitening is a safe, effective treatment used to brighten and lighten your smile. Our professional whitening systems provide beautiful results without being abrasive. For added comfort, our whitening products contain fluoride to help minimize tooth and gum sensitivity.

We provide professional whitening treatments designed to safely and effectively lift discoloration. These services can significantly brighten your smile by removing stains caused by food, beverages, smoking, and natural aging.

Digital dental X-rays produce detailed images of your teeth and jaw using significantly less radiation than traditional film. These clear, high-resolution images allow us to detect problems early and create precise, personalized treatment plans.

If you experience a dental emergency, such as a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or a lost filling, contact our office right away. We offer prompt emergency care to relieve pain and address urgent dental issues as quickly as possible.

We offer a range of cosmetic dentistry treatments, including veneers, bonding, and professional whitening, to enhance your smile. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and recommend the most suitable options for achieving your desired results.

You can schedule a visit by calling us at 941-923-3545 or by completing the contact form on our website. Our friendly team will help you find a convenient appointment time.

Yes. Even with strong home-care habits, professional cleanings are essential. They remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing can’t reach, helping prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

Silver amalgam fillings have been used for many years, but they require the removal of some healthy tooth structure, and because they are metal, they can expand and contract with temperature changes, potentially causing sensitivity or fractures.


Composite restorations bond directly to the tooth, preserving more natural structure. They insulate against temperature changes, reducing sensitivity, and can be matched to your tooth shade for a natural, seamless appearance.

Crowns are used to strengthen and restore teeth that are damaged or severely decayed. Bridges are designed to replace one or more missing teeth. We’ll evaluate your oral health and recommend the best option to restore function and improve the appearance of your smile.

Treating periodontal disease begins with removing bacteria beneath the gums in areas known as periodontal pockets. The most common nonsurgical treatment is scaling and root planing (SRP), performed by a dental hygienist. Scaling removes plaque, tartar, and debris from the tooth and root surfaces, while root planing smooths the roots to support healing. Localized antibiotic therapy may also be used.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. It is one of the most complex joints in the body, responsible for allowing you to open, close, and move your jaw.

Because TMD varies from patient to patient, treatment plans differ as well. Many cases respond to therapies such as bite splints, anti-inflammatory medications, and adjustments to the bite. Our goal is to reduce discomfort and improve jaw function using the most appropriate approach for your symptoms.

Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) refers to a group of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Symptoms can include headaches, jaw clicking or popping, muscle tightness, limited opening, ear ringing, sensitivity, clenching, grinding, and pain when moving the jaw. These symptoms may occur with or without injury.

Periodontal disease cannot be cured, but it can be successfully managed. Long-term control requires ongoing maintenance visits every 3–4 months, along with consistent home-care habits. Regular professional care is key to keeping your gums and bone as healthy as possible.

A porcelain veneer is a thin, custom-made shell designed in a dental lab and bonded to the front of your natural tooth. Veneers can improve the appearance of your smile or restore a damaged tooth surface. They allow you to enhance the shape, color, and alignment of one or multiple teeth, creating a beautiful, natural-looking result.

A root canal removes infected or damaged pulp from within the tooth. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent future infection. This procedure helps relieve pain while preserving your natural tooth.

IV sedation involves administering medication through a vein to help you relax deeply during treatment. You remain conscious but comfortable and responsive. This method is especially helpful for patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing extensive procedures.

Yes. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent decay, making it beneficial for adults, especially those with sensitivity, a higher risk of cavities, or weakened enamel.

Porcelain inlays and onlays are custom-crafted restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage. They provide a durable, natural-looking alternative to traditional fillings and help preserve more of your healthy tooth structure.

The process begins with taking precise impressions of your mouth to design custom-fit dentures or partials. Once created, we ensure they fit comfortably and function well, restoring your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.