Dr. Richard Crossland, DMD

Dr. Richard Crossland, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Clearwater, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to preventive health extends beyond the confines of the mouth, recognizing the interconnectedness of oral and systemic well-being.

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. Richard Crossland, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Clearwater, FL, serving all ages. He employs a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (727) 791-9393 to confirm if Dr. Richard DMD 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 Motor Problems: Early detection of oral motor problems is key to managing potential risks and maintaining your overall oral health, preventing future difficulties eating or speaking.
• Gingival Fibromatosis - Facial Dysmorphism: Gingival fibromatosis, sometimes associated with facial features, is a rare condition where the gums overgrow, and early detection through regular dental checkups helps prevent complications like difficulty chewing or speaking.
• Edentulism: Edentulism significantly impacts your ability to eat, speak, and overall health. Preventing it starts with good oral hygiene and addressing any dental issues promptly.
• Tooth Decay: Managing your risk factors for tooth decay, such as diet and frequency of sugar consumption, significantly lowers your chance of developing cavities.
• Mouth Cancer: Preventing mouth cancer starts with understanding your risk factors, like tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, and making lifestyle changes to minimize them.
• Gingivostomatitis: Managing gingivostomatitis promptly can help prevent the spread of infection and potential long-term oral health problems.
• Ankylosis of Tooth: To maintain healthy teeth and prevent long-term oral health issues, it's crucial to be aware of ankylosis – a condition where the tooth root fuses to the jawbone – and seek professional dental care if suspected.

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:

• Oral Soft Tissue Assessment: Make your oral health a priority with a comprehensive oral soft tissue assessment. This examination helps detect early warning signs of gum disease, oral cancer, and other potentially serious conditions.
• Hidden Clasp: Choose dentures with hidden clasps for a natural appearance and secure fit, helping to preserve your jawbone structure and improve your quality of life.
• Trudenta® Treatments: Invest in your well-being with Trudenta® Treatments; these screenings help detect early signs of oral health problems, enabling timely interventions and preventing complications.
• Zoom!® Teeth Whitening: Enhance your smile's appearance with Zoom! Teeth Whitening, complementing your regular dental checkups and improving your overall oral health confidence.
• Restorative Procedure: To maintain a healthy and functional bite, restorative procedures rebuild or replace damaged tooth structure, reducing pain and promoting long-term oral wellness.
• The Wand® Single Tooth Anesthesia System (STA): Experience virtually painless dental procedures with The Wand®; this advanced anesthesia system helps you maintain optimal oral health by reducing anxiety and making it easier to receive necessary care.
• Picasso® Soft Tissue Laser Procedure: The Picasso® Soft Tissue Laser helps detect and treat early signs of gum disease, preventing more serious problems down the line.

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 attending regular checkups and following a proactive oral care plan, a family gained valuable insights into potential oral motor problems, significantly reducing future risks and fostering peace of mind.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient proactively managed the risk of gingival fibromatosis, ensuring a healthy smile and preventing potential future complications. Early detection allowed for a personalized plan to maintain oral health and overall well-being.
• By addressing gum disease early and maintaining consistent dental checkups, a family proactively reduced their risk of edentulism, ensuring a lifetime of confident and comfortable eating and smiling.

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 seeing your 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 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 is linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health, as chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is therefore essential for maintaining optimal body health.

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

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Richard DMD can help with snoring and some mild to moderate sleep apnea. For eligible patients, we offer a comfortable, custom-fitted oral appliance worn at night to keep the airway open, providing an alternative to CPAP.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is an early, reversible stage of gum disease marked by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious stage where the bone supporting your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

What is TMJ disorder?

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

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.

3001 Enterprise Rd E
Clearwater FL 33759
Phone: (727) 791-9393

Dr. Richard Crossland, 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): 1821149105

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.