Dr. Richard Shelton, DDS

Dr. Richard Shelton, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at his clinic in Tampa, 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 committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He serves all ages and patients should call (813) 972-7511 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Richard Shelton, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Tampa, FL, specializing in preventative dentistry. His approach prioritizes comprehensive care, recognizing that oral health significantly impacts overall well-being. He meticulously crafts personalized preventive strategies, ensuring each patient receives tailored care to address their unique needs. He understands the importance of early intervention and proactive measures to maintain optimal oral and systemic health, empowering patients to take control of their oral health journey. Dr. Richard DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Infected Tooth Pulp: An infected tooth pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth, can lead to severe pain and tooth loss if not addressed promptly through preventative dental visits and good oral hygiene.
• Lichen Planus: Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect your mouth, causing discomfort and potentially leading to more serious problems if left untreated, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection.
• Dentin Dysplasia, Coronal: Coronal dentin dysplasia is a rare condition affecting tooth development, and early detection through regular dental checkups can help manage potential complications and preserve your teeth's health.
• Palate Cancer: Regular dental checkups can help identify early signs of palate cancer, enabling timely intervention and preventing the disease from progressing to more advanced and difficult-to-treat stages.
• Cleft Palate: Cleft palate, a condition present at birth, can lead to long-term oral health issues if not managed properly, highlighting the importance of regular checkups and early treatment.
• Dental Trauma: Proper management of dental trauma, including prompt professional care, minimizes the chance of tooth loss, jaw fractures, or other severe consequences.
• Excessive Tooth Wear: Excessive tooth wear, often unnoticed until advanced, can lead to increased sensitivity and tooth damage, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and preventive treatment.

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 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.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Treatment: Early detection is key to managing TMJ disorders. Schedule a TMJ assessment to understand any underlying issues and receive personalized treatment options.
• ViziLite® Plus: ViziLite® Plus is a special light that helps your dentist detect abnormal areas in your mouth that may indicate oral cancer or precancerous lesions, allowing for early intervention.
• Traumatic Dental Injury Treatment: Seeking immediate treatment for a traumatic dental injury can save your tooth and potentially avoid more complex and costly interventions.
• Non-Extraction Treatment (for Dental Crowding): Take a proactive step towards a straighter smile and healthier teeth by exploring non-extraction treatment options for dental crowding.
• Porcelain Fixed Bridges: Take a proactive step in preventing further tooth loss and gum disease by considering a porcelain fixed bridge; it securely replaces missing teeth and maintains your natural bite.
• Lingual Dental Braces: Lingual braces are a discreet way to straighten your teeth, improving your smile and preventing potential jaw problems later in life.

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 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 checkups and practicing meticulous oral hygiene, a patient successfully avoided the pain and potential loss of a tooth caused by an infected tooth pulp. This proactive approach ensured a healthy smile and lasting oral well-being.
• By scheduling regular dental checkups and following a proactive oral health plan, a patient was able to detect early signs of lichen planus, reducing potential complications and maintaining a healthy mouth.
• By scheduling regular dental checkups, a patient proactively managed their dentin dysplasia, reducing the risk of potential complications and preserving the health of their teeth. Early detection allowed for a personalized treatment plan, providing 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. Richard DDS:

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

For most patients, a visit to Dr. Richard DDS every six months for a check-up and cleaning is recommended. This allows our team to 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, more importantly, gum disease, which has been 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. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is therefore an essential part of maintaining good overall body health.

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 your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

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. Richard DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from teeth grinding.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Richard 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.

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

13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-7511

Dr. Richard Shelton, 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): 1184611402

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 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.