Dr. James Felch, DMD

Dr. James Felch, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at his clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His approach 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 is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. James Felch, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Saint Petersburg, FL, serving all ages. Please call (727) 777-6453 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. James DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Jaw Tumor: Prompt treatment of a jaw tumor is essential to prevent its spread, potential disfigurement, and to ensure effective restoration of oral function and overall health.
• Gonorrhea of Pharynx: Untreated gonorrhea in the throat can cause serious complications, making regular STI screenings and prompt treatment vital preventive measures.
• Receded Lower Jaw: Changes in the appearance of your lower jaw, such as recession, might indicate underlying health problems; regular dental visits can help identify these issues early and prevent further problems.
• Oral Pharyngeal Disorders: Preventing oral pharyngeal disorders starts with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits; early intervention significantly reduces the risk of long-term health issues.
• Orofacial Pain: Orofacial pain, encompassing pain in your mouth, face, and jaw, can signal underlying issues like gum disease or TMJ problems, making early detection crucial for preventing more serious complications.
• Amelogenesis Imperfecta: Managing amelogenesis imperfecta through specialized dental care reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral complications associated with weakened enamel.
• Bad Taste in Mouth: A bad taste in your mouth can signal a need for improved oral hygiene practices, preventing future cavities and gum disease.

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

• Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances: Improve your sleep quality and reduce your risk of serious health complications by getting screened for sleep apnea with a custom-fitted oral appliance; this can help prevent long-term health problems associated with untreated sleep apnea.
• Halimeter®: Early detection is key to preventing serious oral health issues. A halimeter breath test can help identify problems associated with bad breath, such as periodontal disease.
• e.max® Dental Crowns: Strengthening a compromised tooth with an e.max® crown is a proactive step in preventing future dental problems and maintaining your long-term oral health.
• Thornton Adjustable Positioner® (TAP®): The Thornton Adjustable Positioner helps your dentist precisely position your teeth for optimal bite and alignment, preventing future dental issues.
• All-on-4™ Procedure: As part of your overall health journey, explore the All-on-4™ procedure to restore your full smile and prevent the development of further oral health issues linked to missing teeth.
• Non-Surgical Orthodontic Procedures: Non-surgical orthodontic procedures can help address minor misalignments, preventing future complications like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy: Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy uses a laser to gently treat gum disease, helping you prevent tooth loss and maintain a healthy smile.

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. James 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 attending regular dental checkups, a patient proactively identified potential issues early, significantly reducing their risk of developing a jaw tumor and maintaining optimal oral health. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and allowed for prompt intervention should any concerns arise.
• By prioritizing regular STI screenings, a patient proactively managed their risk of throat gonorrhea, ensuring peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient was able to identify early signs of receding lower jaw, allowing for prompt intervention and minimizing potential future complications. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and a healthier 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. James DMD:

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

At Dr. James DMD, we recommend seeing a dentist and hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This helps remove tartar buildup that brushing alone 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 that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, more importantly, gum disease, which can be linked to other health problems.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is significantly linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal body health.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. James DMD can assess your oral health to ensure you are a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, that provide better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

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 method helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding teeth.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (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. James DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

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

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. James DMD to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

1904 4th St N
Saint Petersburg FL 33704
Phone: (727) 777-6453

Dr. James Felch, 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): 1093374233

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. James 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.