Dr. Elizabeth Rife, DDS

Dr. Elizabeth Rife, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Port St. Lucie, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her commitment extends beyond simply treating existing issues; she is dedicated to 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 is passionate about general preventive dentistry, serving as your primary partner in lifelong oral health.

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. Dr. Elizabeth DDS understands that proactive care is key to long-term well-being and emphasizes a collaborative, evidence-based approach. She is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, regardless of age. She serves all ages. Please call (772) 878-5000 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Elizabeth Rife, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Port St. Lucie, FL, providing consultations primarily in English.

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

• Clefting - Ectropion - Conical Teeth: While not directly preventable, managing conditions like clefting, ectropion, and conical teeth through early intervention can significantly reduce associated risks and improve overall oral and systemic health.
• Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth can lead to increased sensitivity and pain if left untreated; regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and management.
• Gum Cancer: By addressing risk factors like tobacco use and limiting alcohol consumption, along with regular dental check-ups, you can proactively reduce your chances of developing gum cancer.
• Carcinoma Tongue: Catching tongue cancer early, often during routine dental exams, drastically reduces its impact and increases chances of successful treatment and better long-term health.
• Receded Upper Jaw: Preventing further recession of your upper jaw requires prompt attention to gum health, with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings being key preventative measures.
• Chronic Periodontitis: Chronic periodontitis is a long-term gum disease that damages the soft tissues and bone supporting your teeth; proactive prevention through good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings is key to avoiding its serious consequences.
• Lip Cancer: Addressing risk factors like excessive sun exposure and tobacco use lowers the likelihood of developing lip cancer, preserving your oral and overall health.

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

• Oral Surgical Procedures: Oral surgical procedures can help proactively address dental problems like impacted wisdom teeth or damaged teeth, preventing future infections and complications.
• Orthodontic Procedures: Straightening your teeth with orthodontic procedures can improve your bite, making it easier to clean and reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Sinus Augmentation: Before getting dental implants, sinus augmentation is a preventative measure to address insufficient bone height in the upper jaw, maximizing your chances of a successful and lasting result.
• Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF): PRF harnesses the power of your own blood to enhance the healing process following dental procedures, potentially minimizing scarring and improving the overall result.
• E4D Dentist® System: Empower yourself with proactive dental care using the E4D Dentist® System. This advanced technology helps your dentist identify and treat developing issues, improving your chances of maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile.
• Comprehensive Dental Exam: Invest in your well-being with a comprehensive dental exam: This checkup screens for a wide range of oral health concerns, helping you maintain a healthy mouth and body.
• Bite Plate: A bite plate is a custom-fitted device that helps protect your teeth and jaw from damage, proactively supporting your long-term oral health.

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. Elizabeth DDS 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:

• A family was relieved to learn that early intervention strategies, guided by a proactive preventive dentistry plan, significantly reduced the potential risks associated with clefting, ectropion, and conical teeth, promoting a healthier smile and overall well-being. They now feel empowered to proactively address any future concerns.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient identified a small chipped tooth early, preventing further damage and associated discomfort. This proactive approach ensured a comfortable and healthy smile.
• By diligently attending regular dental check-ups and modifying lifestyle choices, a patient proactively lowered their risk of gum cancer, gaining peace of mind about their oral health.

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. Elizabeth DDS:

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

At Dr. Elizabeth DDS, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This crucial preventive step allows our dental hygienists to remove tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, enabling us to catch cavities early and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent home care, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) 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 intrinsically 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, including regular checkups and cleanings, is therefore essential for maintaining optimal body health.

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

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Elizabeth DDS 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 monitoring tooth development and establishing a positive dental home, promoting good oral health habits for life.

What is TMJ disorder?

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. Elizabeth DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They're a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seal out food and plaque, preventing 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. Dr. Elizabeth DDS will visually inspect the lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities, as early detection is key to successful treatment.

139 SW Port St Lucie Blvd Ste A
Port St. Lucie FL 34984
Phone: (772) 878-5000

Dr. Elizabeth Rife, DDS 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): 1467137588

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. Elizabeth DDS 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.