Dr. Craig Valentine, DMD

Dr. Craig Valentine, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at his Lakeland, FL clinic, and is registered with the Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His expertise lies in General Preventive Dentistry, serving as your primary partner in lifelong oral health. This involves creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (863) 646-8511 to schedule.

Dr. Valentine and his skilled and caring staff welcome you to their practice, where they assist in creating and maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile for a lifetime. Patients appreciate feeling like part of the family during every visit. Featuring quality treatment and the best service possible, Dr. Valentine and his team see patients throughout central Florida for cosmetic smile restoration and routine family dentistry. Dr. Valentine, with 30 years of experience in Lakeland, is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a member of numerous dental associations, and has published work and lectured at various dental association meetings. His dedication to his patients and the community is evident in his extensive experience and commitment to providing the highest quality care. Dr. Craig DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Craig DMD is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Craig DMD can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Craig DMD provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Tooth Abscess: Preventing tooth decay and gum disease through diligent oral hygiene is crucial, as these conditions can lead to painful and costly tooth abscesses.
• Tooth Abrasion: Early detection of tooth abrasion allows for timely intervention, such as adjusting brushing techniques or using fluoride treatments, minimizing further enamel loss and preventing future problems.
• Tooth Loss: Early detection of gum disease and cavities through routine dental visits can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing tooth loss later in life.
• Toothache: Experiencing a toothache? This underscores the importance of consistent oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits to minimize the risk and manage the impact of oral health problems.
• Grinding of Teeth: Protecting your teeth from the damage caused by teeth grinding is vital for preventing costly and painful dental work down the line; talking to your dentist is the first step.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums, is a preventable condition; addressing it promptly safeguards your gums and supports overall well-being.
• Tooth Decay: Managing your risk factors for tooth decay, such as diet and frequency of sugar consumption, significantly lowers your chance of developing cavities.
• Tooth Attrition: Protecting your teeth from excessive wear and tear through preventative measures such as avoiding hard foods and using a mouthguard helps prevent tooth attrition and maintain your overall oral health.
• Gum Disease: Protecting your gums from disease involves practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings to reduce your risk of gum problems.
• Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth, even a small one, can be a sign of underlying issues and should be checked by a dentist to prevent infection or further damage.
• Tooth Demineralization: Early identification of tooth demineralization, the initial stage of tooth decay, allows for timely intervention through improved oral hygiene and professional treatments, preventing significant dental issues in the future.
• Tooth Discoloration: Tooth discoloration can be an early warning sign of underlying oral health issues, so addressing it promptly helps prevent more serious problems.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Craig DMD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Porcelain Veneers: Enhance your smile and protect your teeth from future decay with porcelain veneers, a proactive step in maintaining your overall oral health and preventing further damage.
• Simple Tooth Extractions: A simple tooth extraction proactively removes a damaged tooth to prevent infection and maintain the health of your surrounding teeth.
• Dental Crown: A dental crown is a restorative procedure that protects a weakened or damaged tooth, serving as a proactive measure to prevent further complications and support long-term oral health.
• Root Planing: As a proactive step in maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums, root planing targets the areas beneath the gum line where bacteria causing gum disease can thrive.
• Teeth Whitening: Brighten your smile and boost your confidence with teeth whitening, a simple step towards maintaining overall oral health.
• Root Canal: By addressing severe inflammation and infection within the tooth's root, root canal therapy significantly reduces the risk of painful complications like abscesses and prevents future dental issues.
• Denture Repair: Addressing denture damage promptly with repairs helps prevent food trapping, plaque buildup, and potential infections.
• Restoration of Dental Implants: Protecting your investment in dental implants involves regular restoration appointments to detect and treat minor problems before they become major concerns.
• Dental Bridge: Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge helps improve chewing function and prevents the remaining teeth from drifting out of alignment.
• Composite Fillings: Protect your teeth from the further spread of decay by proactively addressing cavities with composite fillings – a safe and effective restorative option.
• Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: Ultrasonic dental cleaning helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing cavities and gum disease before they start.
• Dental Bonding: As part of your commitment to overall wellness, dental bonding offers a straightforward solution to improve tooth structure and esthetics, thereby reducing the risk of more complex dental issues down the line.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Preventive Dentistry Services in Florida.

Dr. Craig DMD is dedicated to partnering with Dental Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By diligently practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular checkups, a family significantly reduced their risk of developing painful tooth abscesses, enjoying a healthier, more confident smile.
• Recognizing the early signs of tooth abrasion, a patient proactively adjusted their brushing habits, minimizing enamel loss and preventing further dental issues. This proactive approach ensured a healthy smile and peace of mind for years to come.
• By diligently attending regular dental checkups, a family significantly reduced their risk of tooth loss, gaining peace of mind and a healthy, confident smile.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Preventive Dental care with Dr. Craig DMD:

How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?

For most people, a check-up and cleaning every six months is recommended. This allows our dentists and hygienists to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, more importantly, gum disease, which has links to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is an essential part of maintaining optimal body health.

Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using extremely low levels of radiation. They allow Dr. Craig to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the modern gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots, which are then topped with a natural-looking crown. This helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of adjacent teeth.

What is a root canal and why is it needed?

A root canal is a procedure to save a badly infected or damaged tooth. It involves removing the inflamed pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. This treatment relieves pain and prevents the need for tooth extraction.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is an early, reversible stage of gum disease characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious stage where the bone supporting your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Craig DMD recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for ensuring proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home for the future.

310 E Highland Dr
Lakeland FL 33813
Phone: (863) 646-8511

Dr. Craig Valentine, DMD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1922157619

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Preventive Dentistry Services like Dr. Craig DMD are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your preventive dentistry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.