Dr. Craig Valentine, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Lakeland, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring patients receive the highest quality and legally compliant care. His practice specifically focuses on the unique needs of individuals 65 years and older, recognizing that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of this population. This includes managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being.
Dr. Valentine and his skilled and caring staff welcome new patients to their practice. They are committed to creating and maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile for a lifetime, helping patients feel like part of the family. He has 30 years of experience in Lakeland, FL, and is actively involved in the community. Dr. Valentine's expertise extends beyond his clinical practice, as evidenced by his fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), and memberships in various dental associations including the Florida Dental Association, American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Orthodontic Society, and Academy of Operative Dentistry. He has been published and lectured extensively at dental association meetings. To schedule an appointment, please call (863) 646-8511. Dr. Craig Valentine provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Craig Valentine is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Valentine is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique oral health needs of older adults, addressing issues like dry mouth and gum disease while emphasizing the crucial link between oral and overall well-being. His approach prioritizes collaboration with other healthcare providers to create a personalized plan that maximizes comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Craig Valentine can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Guardian
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Craig Valentine provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Cavity: That bothersome cavity is a sign of tooth decay that needs attention; your dentist can easily fill it to stop the decay, prevent future problems, and maintain your ability to enjoy eating.
- Chipped Tooth: Don't let a chipped tooth cause you pain or affect your ability to eat; a simple dental visit can often fix it with a filling, veneer, or crown, improving your quality of life.
- Gingivitis: Inflamed and irritated gums, known as gingivitis, can be addressed through better oral care habits and professional cleaning by your dentist to keep your mouth healthy and comfortable.
- Gum Disease: Experiencing bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, or persistent bad breath could be signs of gum disease; seeking prompt professional care from your dentist allows for early intervention and preservation of your teeth.
- Misaligned Teeth: If your teeth are misaligned, it may make it harder to clean them thoroughly, increasing your risk of gum disease. Your dentist can help improve your oral health and make cleaning easier.
- Tooth Abscess: Experiencing intense pain, swelling, and sensitivity in your tooth? It may be an abscess. Your dentist can provide effective treatment to alleviate your discomfort and prevent complications.
- Tooth Decay: Maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing, along with regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings, are essential steps to prevent tooth decay and ensure a healthy smile throughout your golden years.
- Tooth Demineralization: Tooth demineralization, a natural process that accelerates with age, weakens your teeth; your dentist can help manage this through regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dietary advice, helping you maintain good oral health and confidence.
- Tooth Discoloration: Stains or discoloration on your teeth may affect how you feel about your smile. A visit to your dentist can reveal the cause and explore various solutions, such as bleaching or bonding, to improve your confidence and overall well-being.
- Tooth Loss: Losing teeth can impact your ability to eat nutritious foods and enjoy meals, but modern dentistry offers solutions such as implants and dentures to restore function and smile aesthetics.
- Toothache: Experiencing a toothache? Don't suffer in silence; a prompt visit to your dentist can identify the cause whether it's a cavity, gum disease, or something else and provide effective pain relief and treatment.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Craig Valentine offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Lower Dentures: A well-fitting set of lower dentures is part of a comprehensive dental care plan, helping maintain oral health and overall well-being.
- Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: Ultrasonic dental cleaning uses high-frequency vibrations to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar, helping prevent gum disease and cavities, a crucial step in maintaining your oral health as you age.
- Teeth Scaling: Scaling your teeth removes hard deposits that irritate gums, a crucial step in keeping your smile bright and healthy.
- Dental Crown: If a filling isn't enough to repair a significantly damaged tooth, a crown provides a durable, long-lasting solution, ensuring your smile remains healthy and beautiful for years to come.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: By restoring your dental implants, you're actively participating in a comprehensive oral health plan that prioritizes function, comfort, and longevity.
- Upper Dentures: Upper dentures are removable replacements for missing upper teeth, improving chewing, speaking, and overall comfort for seniors.
- Dental Bridge: As part of a comprehensive care plan, a dental bridge helps manage the consequences of missing teeth, preventing further dental issues and improving your quality of life.
- Composite Fillings: Composite fillings are tooth-colored materials used to repair cavities, restoring the tooth's function and appearance as part of your overall dental health plan.
- Root Planing: As part of your comprehensive dental care, root planing helps manage gum disease by smoothing the tooth roots, allowing your gums to heal and reducing inflammation.
- Teeth Whitening: As part of your routine dental check-up, teeth whitening can improve the aesthetics of your teeth, complementing other preventative measures.
- Denture Repair: Fixing broken or ill-fitting dentures prevents discomfort and potential mouth injuries, enhancing your quality of life.
- Root Canal: As part of your ongoing dental health, a root canal can address severe toothaches and restore a tooth's function, helping you eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for General Dentists in Florida.
Dr. Craig Valentine is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- Grandma finally felt confident smiling again after a bothersome cavity was filled, regaining her zest for sharing stories with her grandchildren over their favorite fruit.
- A senior citizen, previously hesitant to eat crunchy foods due to a chipped tooth, enjoyed a satisfying meal of fresh vegetables and fruit after a simple dental procedure. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one could now comfortably eat and maintain their healthy diet.
- With improved oral hygiene and professional cleanings, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of enjoying delicious meals with their family, free from the discomfort of inflamed gums.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Dental care with Dr. Craig Valentine:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Valentine's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is therefore essential for maintaining overall health and wellness, not just healthy teeth.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a very common side effect of many medications, and it's a dental problem. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Valentine can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- Are dental implants a safe and good option for older adults?
- Dental implants are often an excellent solution for older adults with sufficient jawbone health. They provide a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring crowns, bridges, or full dentures and preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch for a small area of damage, while a crown is like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are needed when a tooth is severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to more serious periodontitis if not treated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Valentine can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth. A bridge permanently fills the gap, while a partial denture is removed for cleaning.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, but vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Valentine will visually inspect your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations and gently feel your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean and healthy, remove and rinse them after eating. Use a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
310 E Highland Dr
Lakeland FL 33813
Phone: (863) 646-8511
Dr. Craig Valentine, 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): 1922157619
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. General Dentists like Dr. Craig Valentine are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.