Dr. Rodney Holcombe, DDS

Dr. Rodney Holcombe, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Tampa, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under 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 serving all ages and welcomes new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (813) 972-9077 to schedule.

Dr. Rodney Holcombe, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Tampa, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University / Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry in 1986. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Preventive Dental care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His education includes a medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College Of Virginia School Of Dentistry in 1986, followed by residency training in Preventive Dentistry Services at University Of Maryland (1987). Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in International Congress Of Oral Implantologists (2008) and Academy Of General Dentistry (1990), deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. As a dentist for more than 28 years, Dr. Rodney DDS is well aware of the importance of studying each case as its own unique situation. He works closely with his team to find the best way to treat you, devoted to targeting the problems and ensuring the most effective treatment plan is achieved. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Gingivitis: Inflamed gums, a sign of gingivitis, can be reversed with diligent brushing and flossing, protecting your teeth and overall 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 Abscess: A tooth abscess is a painful infection at the root of a tooth, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention of serious complications.
• Dental Disorders: Dental disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting your teeth and gums, and early detection through regular checkups can prevent serious problems and costly treatments.
• Tooth Abrasion: Managing tooth abrasion effectively, often through lifestyle changes and professional dental care, helps maintain the health and longevity of your teeth, avoiding the need for more extensive dental work down the line.
• Tooth Discoloration: Discolored teeth can sometimes indicate more serious conditions, emphasizing the importance of preventive dental care and early detection.
• Gum Disease: Managing gum disease effectively prevents tooth loss and other systemic health issues, highlighting the importance of early intervention and consistent oral care.
• 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.
• Cavity: Cavities are preventable! Practicing good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are key to protecting your teeth from decay and maintaining your overall oral health.
• Tooth Attrition: Attrition, the gradual wearing down of teeth, can be significantly reduced by adopting preventive habits and seeking professional dental advice, ensuring a long-term, healthy smile.
• Tooth Demineralization: Preventing tooth decay starts with understanding tooth demineralization—the process where your enamel weakens, increasing your risk of cavities; regular checkups and proper brushing help detect and reverse this.

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

• Dental Onlay: To proactively maintain strong teeth, a dental onlay can be used to repair a significantly damaged tooth surface, preventing further decay and preserving your natural tooth structure.
• 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.
• Digital X-Ray (CDR): Take a proactive step towards better oral health with a digital X-ray; it helps your dentist identify hidden issues like impacted wisdom teeth or early signs of gum disease, allowing for prompt treatment.
• Composite Fillings: Composite fillings are a proactive way to repair cavities and prevent further tooth decay, protecting your smile's long-term health.
• Restoration of Dental Implants: Protecting your investment in dental implants involves regular restoration appointments to detect and treat minor problems before they become major concerns.
• Root Canal: As a proactive measure to save your natural tooth, root canal therapy eliminates infection, halting the progression of severe tooth damage and preserving your smile's structure.
• Teeth Scaling: Teeth scaling is a professional cleaning that removes plaque and tartar buildup, helping prevent cavities and gum disease before they start.
• Dental Bridge: A dental bridge is a proactive way to replace missing teeth, preventing further tooth shifting and jawbone deterioration.
• Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: Protect your smile and overall health with an ultrasonic dental cleaning, a key procedure for preventing serious dental problems and maintaining healthy gums.
• Diode Laser Soft Tissue Treatment: For improved gum health and early detection of potential problems, diode laser soft tissue treatment provides a comfortable and effective solution.
• Clear Dental Braces: Straighten your smile and improve your oral health with clear braces, proactively preventing future dental problems like gum disease and jaw misalignment.
• Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a simple, effective way to address minor cosmetic flaws and protect your teeth, helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile as part of your overall health routine.

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. Rodney 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 diligently practicing good oral hygiene, a patient successfully avoided the onset of gingivitis, maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of tooth decay, ensuring a healthy smile for years to come. This proactive approach brought them peace of mind and confidence in their oral health.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized prevention plan, a family avoided the pain and complications of a tooth abscess, ensuring a healthy smile for years to come.

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. Rodney DDS:

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

Dr. Rodney DDS recommends seeing a dentist and hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This is a crucial preventive step 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 excellent home care, 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. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular preventive dental care is crucial 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. Rodney DDS to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better treatment outcomes.

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. Rodney DDS is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

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.

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 helps seal out food and plaque, preventing cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Rodney DDS can help with some cases of snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. For eligible patients, we offer a comfortable, custom-fitted oral appliance worn at night to keep the airway open, which is an effective alternative to CPAP.

15303 Amberly Dr Ste D
Tampa FL 33647
Phone: (813) 972-9077

Dr. Rodney Holcombe, 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): 1912121344

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. Rodney 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.