Dr. Annette Harriman, DMD

Dr. Annette Harriman, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventive dental care. She practices at her clinic in Sarasota, Florida, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her 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. She serves all ages and is dedicated to fostering a collaborative approach to care, ensuring patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term oral health.

Dr. Annette Harriman, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Sarasota, FL, committed to evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment for her patients. Her focus on prevention extends beyond the immediate oral cavity, recognizing the interconnectedness of oral and systemic health. She utilizes a collaborative approach, encouraging patients to actively participate in their care plans. Patients should call (941) 366-3894 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Annette DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Ankylosis: Regular dental visits are key to preventing problems like ankylosis, a condition where teeth fuse to the jawbone, which can affect your bite and overall oral health if left untreated.
• Oral Submucous Fibrosis: Early detection of oral submucous fibrosis is crucial because it can progress and impact your ability to eat and speak, emphasizing the need for proactive dental care.
• Dentin Dysplasia, Radicular: Regular visits to your dentist are crucial for individuals with a family history of radicular dentin dysplasia, as early detection allows for preventative measures and slows disease progression.
• Anodontia: Anodontia, or the lack of teeth, can impact your ability to eat a healthy diet and maintain good oral hygiene if left untreated. Regular dental checkups are crucial for early identification and management to mitigate these risks.
• Fibromatosis Gingival-Hypertrichosis: Managing fibromatosis gingival-hypertrichosis involves proactive dental care, potentially including surgical intervention, to prevent functional issues and maintain overall oral health.
• Gingivitis: Inflamed gums, a sign of gingivitis, can be reversed with diligent brushing and flossing, protecting your teeth and overall health.
• Tender Gums: Noticeable gum tenderness? Don't ignore it – early intervention is crucial for maintaining healthy gums and preventing infection.

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

• Dental Crown: To safeguard your oral health, a dental crown can be used to strengthen a weakened tooth, preventing future infection or the need for more extensive dental work.
• Preseason Dental Exam: Invest in your health this season with a preventative dental exam; it's a simple step towards preventing costly dental issues later and promoting overall systemic health.
• Dental Gum Flap Surgery: As a proactive step in maintaining oral health, dental gum flap surgery enables a deeper cleaning and improved access for treating gum disease.
• Damon® System: For a more aesthetically pleasing and functional smile, the Damon® System can help align your teeth, improving your overall oral health and self-confidence.
• BriteSmile® Teeth Whitening System: Brighten your smile and boost your confidence with the BriteSmile® system, a professional teeth whitening treatment that helps maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Take a proactive step towards better health with an oral cancer screening; it's a simple procedure that can significantly reduce your risk of developing this serious disease.
• Orthodontic Management of Distraction Osteogenesis: For significant jaw deformities, this procedure combines orthodontics and bone regeneration, improving bite, function, and facial aesthetics long-term.

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. Annette 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 attending regular dental checkups, a family proactively identified and addressed potential ankylosis issues, ensuring a healthy and confident smile for years to come. This preventative approach allowed them to maintain optimal oral health and avoid future complications.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized preventive plan, a patient was able to identify potential oral submucous fibrosis early, significantly reducing the risk of future complications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• A family, knowing their history of radicular dentin dysplasia, proactively scheduled regular dental checkups. Early detection allowed for preventative strategies, minimizing potential future dental issues and offering 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. She 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. Annette DMD:

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

At Dr. Annette DMD, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows our team to remove tartar buildup, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer. This is a crucial preventive step for maintaining a healthy smile.

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 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 intricately 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 is essential for maintaining optimal oral health and, consequently, your overall 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. Annette to see issues like cavities between teeth, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better preventative care.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up at Dr. Annette DMD. We will visually inspect your lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities, as early detection is key to successful treatment.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

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

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the modern gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots, which are then topped with a natural-looking crown. This helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding teeth.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Annette 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.

1445 S Osprey Ave
Sarasota FL 34239
Phone: (941) 366-3894

Dr. Annette Harriman, 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): 1043763121

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. Annette 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.