Dr. Joseph Dotson, DDS

Dr. Joseph Dotson, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he practices at his clinic in Tampa, FL, and is committed to creating personalized plans for optimal oral and systemic health. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he prioritizes preventative measures to prevent cavities and gum disease through thorough screenings and tailored management strategies.

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. Dr. Joseph DDS is dedicated to serving all ages, recognizing that proactive preventive care is crucial at every stage of life. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (813) 839-8140 to schedule.

Dr. Joseph Dotson, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Tampa, FL. He is accepting new patients. His approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health. He fosters a supportive environment where patients feel confident in their ability to make informed decisions about their oral health. Dr. Joseph DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Ankylosis of Tooth: Ankylosis of a tooth, where the tooth's root fuses to the jawbone, can lead to serious complications if not detected early, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for preventive care.
• Unequal Jaw Growth: Preventing complications from uneven jaw growth starts with early identification; addressing this issue can help maintain a proper bite, reducing your risk of future dental problems.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type I: Preventative dentistry plays a vital role in mitigating the effects of Shield's Type I Dentinogenesis Imperfecta by enabling early intervention and customized care to preserve tooth structure and function.
• Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Oral squamous cell carcinoma can be life-threatening if left untreated, underscoring the critical role of routine dental exams and prompt attention to any suspicious oral lesions.
• Crouzon Syndrome: Crouzon syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting skull and facial development, often requiring early intervention to manage its effects on the teeth and jaws, reducing future dental problems.
• Tooth Displacement: Preventing tooth displacement through good oral hygiene and wearing a mouthguard during sports minimizes the risk of serious dental problems.
• Compulsive Cheek Biting: Early identification and management of compulsive cheek biting are essential for preventing more serious oral health problems, including painful ulcers, infections, and the need for restorative dental procedures.

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

• Invisalign®: Invisalign® is a clear aligner system that straightens your teeth, improving your smile and reducing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay caused by overcrowding or misalignment.
• Maxillofacial Surgery: As a proactive step in maintaining overall health, maxillofacial surgery can diagnose and treat conditions affecting the structure and function of your face and jaw.
• Mandibular Tori Removal: Mandibular tori removal is a surgical procedure to address bony growths in the lower jaw, improving comfort and preventing potential complications like injury or difficulty with dentures.
• Orthodontic Management of Distraction Osteogenesis: For significant jaw deformities, this procedure combines orthodontics and bone regeneration, improving bite, function, and facial aesthetics long-term.
• Air Abrasion: For a comfortable and effective way to address minor tooth imperfections and early decay, consider air abrasion – a safe alternative to traditional drilling.
• Ceramic Dental Braces: Invest in your long-term oral health with ceramic braces; they gently straighten teeth, improving chewing function and reducing the risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Pericoronitis: Pericoronitis, or inflammation of the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth, is often identified during routine dental exams, enabling prompt treatment and pain relief.

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. Joseph 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 attending regular dental checkups, a patient proactively identified and addressed potential ankylosis concerns, ensuring a healthy smile and preventing future complications. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind regarding their oral health.
• By proactively addressing potential uneven jaw growth, a family was relieved to learn that preventive measures could significantly reduce the risk of future dental problems, ensuring a healthy and confident smile for years to come.
• A family proactively managed their child's Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type I, through regular checkups and tailored preventive care, leading to improved oral health and reduced future dental needs. Early intervention helped preserve their child's teeth and maintain a positive outlook for their oral well-being.

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. Joseph DDS:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Joseph DDS every six months for a check-up and cleaning is recommended. This helps prevent tartar buildup, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with meticulous 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?

Your oral health is deeply connected to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining not only a healthy mouth but also a healthy body.

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. Joseph DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Joseph DDS 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 veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are caps that cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after significant damage or decay.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, oral cancer screenings are a routine and important part of every dental check-up. Dr. Joseph DDS will visually inspect your lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities, as early detection is key to successful treatment.

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.

5301 S Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa FL 33611
Phone: (813) 839-8140

Dr. Joseph Dotson, 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): 1245669951

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. Joseph 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.