Dr. Kelly Clarke, DDS

Dr. Kelly Clarke, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at his clinic in Bradenton, 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 is skilled in a wide range of services, including crown and bridge, cosmetic porcelain veneers, root canals, full mouth extractions, and removable prosthetics, and has advanced training in Invisalign, endodontics, and laser dentistry. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (941) 748-8066 to schedule.

Dr. Kelly DDS approaches care with a collaborative and evidence-based perspective, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Kelly Clarke grew up in California, with his mother's career as a dental hygienist significantly influencing his career choice. He graduated from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 2004, and subsequently built his dental practice, relocating to Florida in 2012. Dr. Kelly DDS's experience spans a diverse range of dental procedures, demonstrating his commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality care. He strives to create a comfortable and informative experience for each patient, and he is committed to preventive care, recognizing the vital link between oral health and overall well-being. Dr. Kelly DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Tooth Decay: Preventing tooth decay is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being, as untreated decay can lead to infections and other health problems.
• Tooth Discoloration: Discolored teeth can sometimes indicate more serious conditions, emphasizing the importance of preventive dental care and early detection.
• Dental Disorders: Addressing dental disorders promptly helps stop minor issues from becoming major health concerns, impacting not only your smile but also your overall well-being.
• 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.
• Gingivitis: Inflamed gums, a sign of gingivitis, can be reversed with diligent brushing and flossing, protecting your teeth and overall health.
• 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 Damage: Early detection of tooth damage through routine dental exams allows for less invasive treatment, preventing further decay and preserving your natural teeth.
• 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.
• 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.
• Broken Tooth: A broken tooth, if left untreated, can lead to infection, further damage, and ultimately tooth loss, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention.

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

• Dental Crown: A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and protect it from further decay, helping you keep your natural smile for longer.
• Dental Implant: Investing in a dental implant is a proactive step in preserving your facial structure and preventing the common issues related to missing teeth.
• Dental Laser Procedure: Protect your smile and prevent future problems by using a dental laser procedure for precise and minimally invasive treatment of cavities and gum disease.
• Root Canal: A root canal helps save a severely infected tooth by removing the damaged pulp and preventing further infection or tooth loss, preserving your natural smile.
• Teeth Whitening: Take proactive steps to improve your smile's appearance and protect your teeth from future damage with professional teeth whitening.
• Smile Makeovers: A smile makeover can help identify potential oral health problems early, preventing more serious issues like cavities and gum disease down the line.
• Essix Retainer: Maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment is simple with an Essix retainer; it helps keep your teeth aligned, preventing crowding and improving overall oral health.

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. Kelly 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:

• A young woman, concerned about a small chip in her tooth, sought preventive dental care. Early intervention by a dentist prevented further damage and ensured a healthy smile.
• By addressing their teeth grinding habit early with a proactive plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of gum disease and tooth loss, enjoying a healthier, more comfortable smile.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of tooth decay, ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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. Kelly DDS:

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

At Dr. Kelly DDS, we recommend seeing a dentist and dental hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps 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 meticulous brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, importantly, gum disease, which can be linked to other health problems.

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 therefore essential for maintaining optimal body health.

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.

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. Kelly DDS 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 sealants, and who should get them?

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

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. Kelly 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 future care.

706 39th St W
Bradenton FL 34205
Phone: (941) 748-8066

Dr. Kelly Clarke, 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): 1437132305

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. Kelly 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.