Dr. Dan Blackwelder, DDS

Dr. Dan Blackwelder, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Tampa, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to general preventive dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health, 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 (813) 968-3384 to schedule.

Dr. Dan Blackwelder, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Tampa, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1973. With this extensive and dedicated experience in Preventive Dental care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He has had over 35 years experience treating all types of dental problems for various age groups - children to seniors. Gentle dentistry, patience and understanding each patient's individual needs helps him to develop the best treatment plan for you. Our office provides punctual appointments, as we respect that your time is also valuable, and you are treated as part of our extended family. Dr. Dan DDS is fluent in Portuguese and also offers consultations in Spanish. He is accepting new patients.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Dan DDS 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. Dan DDS 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. Dan DDS 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:

• Cavity: Maintaining good oral hygiene significantly reduces your risk of developing cavities, protecting your smile and contributing to your overall well-being.
• Chipped Tooth: Catching a chipped tooth early helps prevent more serious problems like tooth decay, infection, or the need for extensive restorative work, saving you time and money.
• Gingivitis: Managing gingivitis effectively, through professional cleaning and at-home care, reduces your risk of developing more severe gum disease.
• Grinding of Teeth: If you clench or grind your teeth, you're at increased risk for gum disease and tooth loss; addressing this habit early can significantly improve your long-term oral health.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a preventable infection that damages the gums and bone supporting your teeth, and early detection through regular checkups is key to preventing serious complications.
• Tooth Abrasion: Preventing tooth abrasion is crucial for preserving your natural teeth and preventing sensitivity, ensuring comfortable chewing and maintaining a healthy smile throughout your life.
• Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess indicates a serious infection needing immediate dental attention; proactive preventive dental care minimizes the risk of reaching this stage.
• Tooth Attrition: Early detection of tooth attrition through routine dental visits allows for timely intervention, preventing further damage and preserving your teeth's natural structure.
• Tooth Decay: Catching tooth decay early through regular dental checkups can prevent painful cavities, fillings, and more extensive treatments down the line.
• Tooth Loss: Managing existing dental problems like gum disease and cavities promptly can help you maintain your natural teeth and avoid the need for tooth replacements.
• 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.

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. Dan DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Composite Fillings: Protect your teeth from the further spread of decay by proactively addressing cavities with composite fillings – a safe and effective restorative option.
• Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a simple, effective way to address minor cosmetic flaws and protect your teeth, helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile as part of your overall health routine.
• Dental Bridge: Protect your overall oral health and prevent further complications by choosing a dental bridge to fill the gaps where you're missing teeth.
• Dental Crown: As part of proactive dental care, a crown can help restore a tooth after significant decay or trauma, reducing the risk of tooth loss and maintaining your overall oral health.
• Denture Repair: Regular denture repair is a proactive step to preserve the health of your gums and jawbone, promoting overall oral health.
• Porcelain Veneers: As a proactive measure for improving your smile and protecting your teeth, porcelain veneers offer a long-term solution to enhance your confidence and maintain healthy teeth.
• Root Canal: As a proactive measure to save your natural tooth, root canal therapy eliminates infection, halting the progression of severe tooth damage and preserving your smile's structure.
• Root Planing: Root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that helps remove harmful bacteria and plaque buildup beneath the gum line, preventing gum disease and improving your overall oral health.
• Simple Tooth Extractions: Simple tooth extractions are a way to prevent the spread of infection from a damaged tooth that could impact your overall health.
• Teeth Scaling: Invest in your long-term oral health by scheduling regular teeth scaling; this preventative measure helps remove plaque and tartar, safeguarding your teeth and gums.
• Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening can reveal underlying dental issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of more significant problems.

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. Dan DDS 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 cavities, enjoying a healthier, more confident smile.
• By scheduling regular checkups, a patient caught a small chip in their tooth early, preventing further damage and avoiding the need for extensive dental work. This proactive approach saved them time, money, and future dental anxieties.
• By attending regular cleanings and following a personalized at-home care routine, a patient successfully managed their gingivitis, maintaining healthy gums and a 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. Dan DDS:

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

At Dr. Dan DDS, we recommend seeing your dentist and dental hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps prevent tartar buildup, which brushing alone can't remove, and allows us to catch cavities early. Regular check-ups also 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 that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, more importantly, gum disease, which has been linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

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

What is TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Dan DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Dan DDS can help with mild to moderate sleep apnea. For some patients, a custom-fitted oral appliance worn at night can effectively keep the airway open, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP. We'll discuss your specific situation to determine if this option is right for you.

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 surrounding teeth.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Dan DDS 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.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. They're a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seal out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

14801 Turner Rd
Tampa FL 33624
Phone: (813) 968-3384

Dr. Dan Blackwelder, DDS 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): 1700992021

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. Dan DDS 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.