Benjamin Vela, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing comprehensive General Dentistry care at his clinic in Corpus Christi, TX. He is registered with The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and practices under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). General Dentists (DDS or DMD) are primary care providers for oral health, focusing on preventative care, diagnosing and treating dental diseases, managing tooth replacement needs, performing oral cancer screenings, and collaborating with primary care physicians to address the connection between oral and overall systemic health. He serves all ages.
Dr. Vela is a dentistry practitioner in Corpus Christi, TX with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his degree from UT Health Science Center in 2006. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and care, he is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, ensuring a supportive environment for patients and their families to feel empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages them to call (361) 994-4900 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Vela offers consultations in Spanish.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Vela is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Vela's approach to patient care emphasizes comprehensive general dentistry, prioritizing preventative care and the early detection of oral health issues. He provides a full range of services, from routine checkups and cleanings to restorative treatments and oral cancer screenings. His commitment to patient education and collaboration with primary care physicians ensures a holistic approach to oral and systemic health management, fostering a strong patient-provider partnership.
By working together, you and Dr. Vela can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueCare Dental
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- Cigna
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- Dental Prime DPPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- MetLife PDP
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Vela offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Mouth Ulcer: Persistent or recurring mouth ulcers might indicate an underlying medical condition, so your dentist can assess them and refer you to specialists if needed.
- Swollen Gums: If your gums are puffy and red, it could indicate gum disease; your dentist can identify the severity and help manage or treat the inflammation with professional cleaning and instructions for improved home care.
- Mouth Conditions: Maintaining good oral health is key to preventing many mouth conditions, and your dentist can help through regular checkups and professional cleaning.
- Toothache: A toothache is pain in or around a tooth, and your general dentist can diagnose the cause (like a cavity or infection) and provide treatment like fillings or root canals.
- Ankylosis of Tooth: When a tooth becomes 'ankylosed,' it's stuck to the jawbone, making it immobile; your dentist can assess the situation and discuss treatment options.
- Tooth Loss: If you've lost teeth, a general dentist can create a personalized treatment plan to restore your smile and improve your oral function with options such as bridges or dentures.
- Tooth Abscess: Severe toothache, swelling, and sensitivity to heat or cold could mean a tooth abscess, a dental emergency requiring immediate attention from your dentist.
- Broken Tooth: Your dentist will assess the extent of the damage to your broken tooth and recommend the best treatment option, such as bonding, a filling, or a crown.
- Gummy Smile (Oversized Gingiva): Having more gum tissue showing than usual when smiling is called a gummy smile, something a general dentist can address with procedures like gum contouring or crown lengthening.
- Traumatic Dental Injuries: Your dentist is trained to manage injuries to the mouth and teeth, from sports accidents to falls, providing emergency care and restoration.
- Halitosis: Halitosis, or bad breath, can be a sign of underlying oral health problems like gum disease or food particles trapped between teeth, and your general dentist can help identify and treat the cause.
- Sensitive Teeth: Sensitive teeth are teeth that experience sharp pain or discomfort when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, sour, or acidic foods and drinks, and your dentist can help find ways to manage this sensitivity.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Vela offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are fixed to your jawbone with implants, eliminating slippage and improving your ability to eat and speak comfortably.
- Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Expect a thorough cleaning and polishing of your teeth and gums to remove bacteria and reduce inflammation during non-surgical gum treatment.
- Dental Bridge: A dental bridge is a permanent solution to replace one or more missing teeth, using artificial teeth anchored to the surrounding natural teeth.
- Dental Implant: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed into your jawbone to provide a stable base for replacement teeth.
- Oral Conscious Sedation: For patients who experience significant dental anxiety, conscious sedation offers a way to receive needed care in a relaxed state.
- Dental Prophylaxis: It's a preventative dental appointment including cleaning and polishing your teeth to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
- Dental Bonding: If you have a small cavity or a slightly damaged tooth, dental bonding can be a quick and relatively inexpensive way to restore it.
- Athletic Mouthguards: A mouthguard is a preventive measure to safeguard your oral health during athletic activities.
- Traumatic Dental Injury Treatment: If you've chipped, cracked, or knocked out a tooth, this service helps restore your smile and oral health.
- Dental Crown: A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance.
- Upper Dentures: Upper dentures are removable replacements for missing upper teeth, improving chewing, speaking, and your smile.
- Root Canal: A root canal is a procedure to repair and save a severely damaged or infected tooth by removing the damaged pulp (nerve and blood vessels) inside.
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 their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Vela is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan for persistent mouth ulcers, a patient experienced significant relief from pain and discomfort, regaining confidence in their oral health.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from a dentist, a patient successfully managed their swollen gums, experiencing significantly reduced discomfort and improved oral health.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
4822 Holly Rd, Corpus Christi, TX, 78411
Phone: (361) 994-4900
View on Map
- Ut Health Science Center (Medical School) - 2006
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Vela:
- How is my dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is closely linked to your overall health, including your heart. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also overall well-being.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common side effect of many medications. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Vela can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, jawbone and gum tissue change, causing dentures to loosen. Dr. Vela can reline existing dentures to reshape them for a better fit, or create new ones if the current set is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
- How often should I see the dentist, even if nothing hurts?
- Most people benefit from a check-up and cleaning every six months, even if nothing hurts. These visits are crucial for prevention, as they allow the dental team to remove tartar buildup and catch problems early, before they become painful or expensive to treat.
- What is an oral cancer screening and is it part of my check-up?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, yet vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Vela will visually inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- If I need a root canal, will I have to see a specialist?
- General dentists, like Dr. Vela, can perform many root canals. For more complex cases, a referral to an endodontist may be necessary. Dr. Vela will determine the best course of action for your specific situation to ensure the best possible outcome.
- What can I do about sensitive teeth?
- Sensitivity is often caused by receding gums exposing the tooth root, or by worn-down enamel. Dr. Vela can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, apply fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth that could be causing the sensitivity.
- Are dental implants a good option for replacing missing teeth?
- Dental implants are often an excellent long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They provide a secure foundation for a crown or bridge, restoring a natural look and feel, and can help preserve the jawbone.
4822 Holly Rd
Corpus Christi TX 78411
Phone: (361) 994-4900
Benjamin Vela, DDS is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1053532960
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Benjamin Vela are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. 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.