Dr. Benjamin Harrison, DMD

Dr. Benjamin Harrison, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Panama City, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His focus on prevention goes beyond addressing immediate concerns; 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 collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, and he serves all ages.

Dr. Benjamin Harrison, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Panama City, FL, committed to the principles of preventive care. He understands the crucial link between oral health and overall well-being, and his approach emphasizes proactive strategies to maintain optimal oral and systemic health. He is a key partner in your journey to achieving and maintaining a healthy smile and a healthy life. Patients should call (850) 763-6782 to confirm if Dr. Benjamin DMD is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Benjamin DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Dislocated Jaw: Preventing jaw dislocation involves understanding its risk factors, such as excessive yawning or mouth opening, and taking preventative steps like maintaining good posture and avoiding activities that strain the jaw.
• Gum Cancer: Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including thorough brushing and flossing, minimizes the risk factors associated with the development of gum cancer.
• Tooth Avulsion: Prompt treatment of an avulsed tooth minimizes the risk of complications such as infection, jaw bone damage, and the need for expensive dental implants or bridges later on.
• Tooth Damage: Early detection of tooth damage through routine dental exams allows for less invasive treatment, preventing further decay and preserving your natural teeth.
• Gaps Between Teeth: Early detection of gaps between your teeth is crucial as they can make it harder to clean effectively, potentially leading to long-term oral health problems.
• Ectodermal Dysplasia With Natal Teeth, Turnpenny Type: Ectodermal dysplasia with natal teeth, Turnpenny type, is a rare genetic condition affecting tooth development that requires early monitoring and specialized dental care to prevent complications like infection and malocclusion.
• Hutchinson Incisors: Regular prenatal care and early intervention can prevent congenital syphilis, a cause of Hutchinson incisors, safeguarding a child's future oral health and development.

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

• Pocket Depth Measurement: Protecting your gums from disease starts with a pocket depth measurement – it's a crucial part of your preventive dental care, helping your dentist identify and address potential problems before they escalate.
• Bite Plate: Proactively address potential jaw or teeth problems with a bite plate; it helps improve the alignment of your bite and reduce strain on the jaw muscles.
• iTero™ Digital Scanning: Protecting your smile starts with early detection. iTero™ Digital Scanning helps your dentist identify subtle signs of decay or gum problems, enabling timely intervention and preventing more extensive treatments.
• Propel® Orthodontics: Propel® Orthodontics uses advanced technology to straighten your teeth, improving your smile and preventing future dental problems like gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Excision of Submandibular Gland: As part of comprehensive oral health management, this surgical procedure could be necessary to address problems with a salivary gland under your jaw.
• Permanent Retainer: To maintain the results of your braces or aligners, a permanent retainer secures your teeth in their ideal positions, preventing future misalignment and potential gum or jaw problems.
• Composite Fillings: Composite fillings offer a safe and effective way to restore teeth damaged by decay, safeguarding your overall oral health and preventing complications.

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. Benjamin 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 understanding jaw strain risks and practicing good posture, a patient significantly reduced their likelihood of experiencing a dislocated jaw, ensuring a worry-free approach to daily activities.
• By diligently following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk factors for gum cancer, fostering a sense of peace and confidence in their long-term oral health.
• Knowing the risks of tooth avulsion, a family proactively addressed potential issues with regular dental checkups, significantly reducing the chance of future complications and ensuring a healthier 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. Benjamin DMD:

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

At Dr. Benjamin DMD, we recommend seeing your dentist and dental hygienist every six months for check-ups and cleanings. This helps 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 brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease, which can be linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is intrinsically linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal oral and systemic 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. Benjamin DMD to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Benjamin DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from teeth grinding.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

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 adjacent teeth.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Benjamin DMD 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 for future care.

1012 W 11th St
Panama City FL 32401
Phone: (850) 763-6782

Dr. Benjamin Harrison, 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): 1003449224

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. Benjamin 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.