Dr. Joel Shapses, DDS

Dr. Joel Shapses, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Naples, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to preventive dentistry extends beyond the immediate concerns of oral health; he recognizes the interconnectedness of oral and systemic wellness. 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.

Dr. Joel Shapses, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Naples, FL. He is not accepting new patients. However, patients can call (239) 775-3383 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. His approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He earned his medical degree from Graduates Of Institutions Not Listed As Medical Schools, and provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Mouth Ulcer: Chronic mouth ulcers can sometimes signal more serious conditions; proactive oral health maintenance helps identify these issues early.
• Vincent's Disease: By practicing good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental cleanings, you can prevent or manage Vincent's disease, minimizing discomfort and avoiding potential long-term health problems.
• Hunter Glossitis: Hunter glossitis is an inflammation of the tongue that, if caught early, can prevent more serious oral health problems.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type III: Early identification of Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type III, through routine dental examinations allows for personalized treatment plans to preserve tooth health and prevent further damage.
• Jaw Bone Tissue Deterioration: Jaw bone tissue deterioration, often linked to gum disease, can be prevented with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene practices.
• Narrow Oral Fissure - Short Stature - Cone - Shaped Epiphyses: While seemingly unrelated to oral health, the presence of narrow oral fissures alongside short stature and cone-shaped epiphyses can signal underlying health issues that a dentist may help identify, emphasizing the role of preventive health screenings.
• Cranioacrofacial Syndrome: Craniofacioacrofacial syndromes are a group of conditions affecting the skull and face, early diagnosis and management can help prevent complications like feeding difficulties or breathing problems, which can impact 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. Joel DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Tooth-Conserving Dentistry: By prioritizing tooth-conserving dentistry, you're taking a proactive step to maintain your oral health, avoiding tooth loss and potential health complications.
• Apicoectomy: An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the infected tip of a tooth's root to prevent further infection and save the tooth.
• Philips Zoom!: Philips Zoom! is a professional teeth whitening treatment that brightens your smile and helps you maintain good oral hygiene, reducing the likelihood of developing issues like cavities and gum disease.
• Six Month Smiles: Take proactive steps towards a healthier smile with Six Month Smiles; it's a shorter-term orthodontic treatment focused on improving the appearance and alignment of your front teeth, potentially reducing the risk of bite issues.
• Cosmetic Oral Evaluation: Protect your smile and your health with a cosmetic oral evaluation. This assessment helps identify potential problems early, preventing more extensive and costly procedures down the line.
• Guided Tissue Regeneration: For individuals with significant gum recession or bone loss, guided tissue regeneration offers a chance to restore the supportive structures of your teeth and prevent further damage.
• Orthodontic Aligners: Straightening your teeth with aligners improves oral hygiene, potentially reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease, and contributing to better overall 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. Joel 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:

• By consistently practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular checkups, a patient was able to identify and address potential mouth ulcer issues early, preventing any further complications and maintaining a healthy smile.
• By diligently practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular dental cleanings, a patient successfully prevented Vincent's disease, maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being.
• By attending regular checkups and following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully prevented the development of Hunter glossitis, ensuring a healthy and comfortable mouth.

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. Joel DDS:

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

At Dr. Joel DDS, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. 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 diligent 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 intricately linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining good overall body health.

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are caps that cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after significant damage or decay.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Joel DDS can help with some cases of snoring or sleep apnea. For eligible patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, we can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open while you sleep. This is a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP for many.

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 are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seals out food and plaque to help prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

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

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is an early, reversible stage of gum disease characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious stage where the bone supporting the teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

4822 Davis Blvd
Naples FL 34104
Phone: (239) 775-3383

Dr. Joel Shapses, 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): 1659495398

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. Joel 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.