Dr. Roberto Bellegarrigue, DMD

Dr. Roberto Bellegarrigue, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to providing general preventive dentistry services as your primary partner in lifelong oral health. This includes 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 serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (813) 968-5368 to schedule.

Dr. Roberto Bellegarrigue, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Tampa, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the University of Florida in 2000 and, following medical school, undertook residency training in Preventive Dentistry Services at the Hillsborough County Dental Research Clinic, graduating in 2001. With this extensive background, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Roberto DMD 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 is accepting new patients and provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Jaw Tumor: A jaw tumor is an abnormal growth in the jaw bone that, if detected early, can be treated more effectively, preventing more extensive surgery or other complications.
• Dry Tooth Socket: Early identification of risk factors, like smoking or poor oral hygiene, can help prevent a dry socket after tooth extraction, ensuring a smoother recovery and avoiding unnecessary discomfort.
• Crouzon Syndrome: Early identification of Crouzon syndrome allows for timely intervention to address dental abnormalities, preventing potential issues like misaligned bites, difficulty eating, and impacted teeth.
• Oral Lichenoid Lesions: Preventing complications from oral lichenoid lesions starts with understanding they are chronic mouth sores requiring monitoring; regular dental visits ensure early identification and management of any potential problems.
• Odontogenic Lesions: Many odontogenic lesions are manageable or preventable through diligent oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and prompt treatment of any emerging abnormalities in your mouth.
• Black Hairy Tongue: Regular dental check-ups are vital for early detection and treatment of conditions like black hairy tongue, ensuring healthy gums and overall oral health.
• Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: If you have a weakened immune system, regular dental check-ups are vital to detect oral hairy leukoplakia early, a white, hairy-looking patch on the tongue, which helps manage potential complications and maintain overall well-being.

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

• In-Ovation® System Braces: Straighten your teeth and improve your oral hygiene with In-Ovation® System braces, a key step toward preventing cavities, gum disease, and maintaining a healthy smile for years to come.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation: By reducing anxiety with nitrous oxide sedation, you can proactively address any potential oral health issues during your regular checkups, preventing future problems.
• DIAGNOdent® Laser Cavity Detection: By using DIAGNOdent®'s laser technology, we can detect tiny cavities before they become visible and potentially lead to tooth decay, saving you time and discomfort.
• Pulpotomy: Protecting your child's smile, a pulpotomy involves carefully removing the inner portion of a damaged tooth to stop infection and save the tooth's structure.
• Pericoronitis: Prevent the discomfort and potential complications of pericoronitis by ensuring timely professional examination of your wisdom teeth during routine dental cleanings and checkups.
• Restoring Teeth: Restoring teeth involves repairing cavities and fractures to prevent the spread of infection and maintain the structural integrity of your mouth.
• Digital X-Ray (CDR): For a comprehensive assessment of your oral health, a digital X-ray is essential. It provides detailed images, enabling your dentist to accurately diagnose and prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues.

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. Roberto 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 diligently attending regular dental checkups, a patient detected a potential jaw issue early, enabling prompt treatment and preventing a more extensive procedure, bringing peace of mind.
• By understanding the risk factors for dry socket and practicing excellent oral hygiene, a patient felt confident in their ability to have a smooth recovery after a dental procedure and avoid any unnecessary discomfort.
• A family proactively sought guidance on Crouzon syndrome, ensuring early identification of dental abnormalities. This proactive approach allowed for timely interventions, minimizing potential future challenges and promoting peace of mind.

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. Roberto DMD:

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

At Dr. Roberto DMD, we recommend seeing a dentist and hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This helps prevent tartar buildup, which brushing can't remove, and allows us to catch cavities early. Regular checkups also 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?

Your oral health is directly linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is crucial for maintaining optimal oral and overall health.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Roberto DMD can help some patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. We can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep your airway open while you sleep, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, receding gums exposing the tooth root, or tiny cracks in the teeth. A proper diagnosis by Dr. Roberto DMD is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

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 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 are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seal out food and plaque, preventing cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

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

3331 W Bearss Ave
Tampa FL 33618
Phone: (813) 968-5368

Dr. Roberto Bellegarrigue, 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): 1073738183

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. Roberto 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.