Dr. Richard Ballentine, DMD

Dr. Richard Ballentine, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in North Port, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Richard Ballentine, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in North Port, FL, serving all ages. Please call (941) 426-6828 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Richard DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Oral Mucous Membrane Disease: Oral mucous membrane diseases can cause pain and discomfort, but early diagnosis and treatment through preventive dental care significantly reduces the likelihood of long-term issues.
• Compulsive Cheek Biting: Protecting your oral health involves recognizing and addressing habits like compulsive cheek biting, as it can cause significant problems like gum disease and tooth loss if left unchecked.
• Worn Down Teeth: Worn teeth can compromise your bite and lead to jaw pain and other systemic issues; taking preventative steps such as addressing the underlying cause and restorative treatments is key to long-term oral health.
• Broken Tooth: Regular dental visits help catch a broken tooth early, allowing for less invasive and more affordable treatment options, preventing the need for extensive and potentially costly procedures later on.
• Ankylosis of Tooth: Ankylosed teeth, where the tooth's root becomes fixed to the jawbone, can cause malocclusion and other problems later on; regular dental visits are vital for early diagnosis and preventive management.
• Oral Thrush (Candidiasis): Maintaining good oral hygiene significantly reduces your risk of developing oral thrush, a common yet preventable infection.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Regular dental checkups can help detect oral herpes early, allowing for prompt treatment and minimizing the impact on your oral health.

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

• SureSmile® Dental Braces: Improve your smile and overall health with SureSmile® braces; properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, leading to better gum health.
• Guided Tissue Regeneration: Guided tissue regeneration is a procedure that helps repair damaged gum tissue and bone, reversing the effects of periodontal disease and maintaining your smile's longevity.
• Computer-Assisted Surgery (CAS): Take a proactive step towards better oral health with computer-assisted surgery; it allows for more accurate diagnoses and treatment planning, helping to prevent future dental problems.
• Composite Fillings: Take charge of your oral health by choosing composite fillings; these durable restorations effectively seal damaged areas, preventing future infections.
• Porcelain Veneers: Take a proactive role in your oral health journey by considering porcelain veneers; they can mask imperfections and strengthen vulnerable teeth, preventing potential issues down the line.
• Removable Appliances: Regularly cleaning and inspecting your removable appliances helps identify any damage or infections early, leading to timely treatment and preventing further complications.
• MTM® No-Trace Braces: Enhance your smile and protect your oral health with MTM® No-Trace Braces; discreetly straightening your teeth can prevent future orthodontic issues and improve long-term dental hygiene.

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. Richard 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 scheduling regular dental checkups and following a personalized preventive plan, a patient proactively reduced their risk of developing oral mucous membrane diseases, ensuring comfort and confidence in their oral health.
• By understanding the early warning signs of compulsive cheek biting and implementing a proactive treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of gum disease and tooth loss, ensuring a healthier smile for years to come.
• By addressing the underlying causes of worn teeth and implementing a proactive treatment plan, a patient experienced significant relief from jaw pain and improved their long-term oral health. This preventative approach ensured a confident smile and a healthier bite.

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. Richard DMD:

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

At Dr. Richard DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows our dental hygienists to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, enabling us to 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 crucial step prevents cavities and, 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 strongly connected to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is essential for maintaining good oral health and overall body health.

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 are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance, while crowns 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, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up at Dr. Richard DMD. We will visually inspect your lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

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 the teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

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.

14884 Tamiami Trl
North Port FL 34287
Phone: (941) 426-6828

Dr. Richard Ballentine, 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): 1003072638

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. Richard 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.