Dr. Barton Santos, DMD

Dr. Barton Santos, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at Spodak Dental Group in Delray Beach, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the 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 serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (561) 498-0050 to schedule.

Dr. Barton DMD's approach to patient care is deeply rooted in a collaborative, evidence-based philosophy. He is a highly skilled and experienced dentist, having earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Dentistry and subsequently completing a fellowship in implant placement. His extensive background includes training in TMJ and Sleep Apnea, Botox treatment, minimal oral sedation, and advanced Invisalign treatment, and he utilizes the most up-to-date techniques, incorporating PRF, and 3D imaging for extractions, bone grafting, and advanced implant placement. He is also a clinical instructor at NYU's Rosenthal Institute, focusing on minimally invasive dentistry with a commitment to aesthetic smile design. Dr. Barton DMD's commitment extends beyond his practice, evident in his active membership in various dental organizations and his dedication to providing free dental care to underserved populations through mission trips. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Cavity: Maintaining good oral hygiene significantly reduces your risk of developing cavities, protecting your smile and contributing to your overall well-being.
• Chipped Tooth: Protecting your teeth from chipping through preventive measures like wearing a mouthguard during sports can significantly reduce your risk of future dental problems.
• Dental Disorders: Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and management of dental disorders, allowing for timely intervention to prevent further damage and improve long-term oral health.
• Gingivitis: Managing gingivitis effectively, through professional cleaning and at-home care, reduces your risk of developing more severe gum disease.
• Grinding of Teeth: Unmanaged teeth grinding can result in cracked teeth, jaw pain, and even headaches; regular dental visits and potential use of a night guard can prevent these complications.
• Gum Disease: Protecting your gums from disease involves practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings to reduce your risk of gum 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.
• Tooth Decay: Managing your risk factors for tooth decay, such as diet and frequency of sugar consumption, significantly lowers your chance of developing cavities.
• Tooth Demineralization: Protecting your teeth from cavities begins with recognizing tooth demineralization—a weakening of tooth enamel—which early detection through dental checkups and good oral care can help address before it progresses to decay.
• Tooth Loss: Protecting your teeth from loss involves diligent brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Toothache: Toothaches often signal underlying dental problems; addressing them early helps prevent complications and preserves your oral health, impacting 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. Barton DMD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Amalgam Dental Fillings: By filling cavities with amalgam, we prevent the spread of decay and maintain the structural integrity of your teeth, safeguarding your long-term oral health.
• Composite Fillings: Composite fillings offer a safe and effective way to restore teeth damaged by decay, safeguarding your overall oral health and preventing complications.
• Cosmetic Procedure: Improving your smile's appearance through cosmetic procedures can motivate you to maintain better oral hygiene, preventing future problems.
• Dental Crown: Investing in a dental crown can prevent the loss of a tooth and help maintain a healthy, functional bite by protecting a compromised tooth from further damage.
• Dental Implant: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed to replace missing teeth, providing a strong, stable foundation for long-term oral health and preventing further tooth loss.
• Dental Inlays: Protecting your smile's longevity, dental inlays offer a durable solution to repair moderate tooth decay before it leads to more extensive procedures.
• Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers offer a proactive approach to addressing chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth, significantly improving your smile's aesthetics and protecting tooth structure.
• Simple Tooth Extractions: Simple tooth extractions are a way to prevent the spread of infection from a damaged tooth that could impact your overall health.
• Tooth-Conserving Dentistry: Tooth-conserving dentistry focuses on preserving your natural teeth through early detection and treatment of dental problems, preventing the need for more extensive procedures later.

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. Barton 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 consistently practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular checkups, a family significantly reduced their risk of developing cavities, ensuring a healthy and confident smile for years to come.
• By proactively wearing a mouthguard during sports, a young athlete avoided a chipped tooth, preserving their smile and confidence. This preventive measure ensured a healthy, trouble-free athletic experience.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a family proactively identified and addressed potential dental issues, significantly reducing their risk of more serious problems and enjoying a healthier smile.

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. Barton DMD:

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

At Dr. Barton DMD, we recommend seeing a dentist and dental hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This is a crucial preventive step to remove tartar buildup, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with meticulous 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 has been 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, or periodontitis, is associated with an increased risk of serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is crucial for maintaining good oral health and, consequently, overall well-being.

What is a root canal and why is it needed?

A root canal is a procedure to save a badly infected or damaged tooth. It involves removing the inflamed pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. This treatment relieves pain and prevents the need for a tooth extraction.

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

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars). They are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seals out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

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. Barton to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better treatment outcomes.

Spodak Dental Group
3911 W Atlantic Ave
Delray Beach FL 33445
Phone: (561) 498-0050

Dr. Barton Santos, 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): 1780921981

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. Barton 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.