Dr. Michael Collins, DDS

Dr. Michael Collins, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Tampa, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to preventive dentistry extends beyond the immediate oral cavity, recognizing its interconnectedness with overall 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. Please call (813) 933-8282 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Michael Collins, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Tampa, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. He believes in creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. This philosophy is central to his practice, focusing on educating patients about preventative measures and empowering them to make informed decisions about their oral health. He strives to provide a positive and welcoming experience, always prioritizing patient comfort and understanding. Dr. Michael DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Dentin Dysplasia, Radicular: Managing radicular dentin dysplasia involves careful monitoring and preventative dentistry to reduce the risk of infections, tooth loss, and other oral health issues.
• Odontogenic Lesions: Maintaining good oral hygiene helps prevent many odontogenic lesions, but regular checkups help identify those that may still develop and manage their progression early.
• Tooth Pulp Inflammation: Tooth pulp inflammation, or pulpitis, is a painful condition highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention of more serious dental problems.
• Edentulism: Managing gum disease and cavities effectively is key to preventing edentulism. Early intervention through professional dental care and at-home prevention practices helps maintain your natural teeth.
• Tooth Abrasion: By understanding the risk factors for tooth abrasion, like aggressive brushing or teeth grinding, you can take proactive steps to protect your enamel, reducing the chances of needing restorative treatments later on.
• Gum Cancer: Protecting your gum health is crucial in preventing gum cancer; regular professional cleanings and diligent oral hygiene significantly reduce your risk.
• Hutchinson Incisors: Hutchinson incisors, notched or abnormally shaped teeth, can be a sign of congenital syphilis, highlighting the importance of prenatal care and early childhood health screenings to prevent long-term oral health issues.

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. Michael DDS 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: To proactively safeguard your gum health, a pocket depth measurement is a quick and painless procedure that identifies potential gum issues before they become major concerns.
• Laser Maxillary Frenectomy: For optimal oral health, a laser maxillary frenectomy may be recommended to address a tight lip frenulum. This minor procedure can facilitate proper cleaning and reduce the risk of future gum issues and tooth misalignment.
• Laser Root Planing: Laser root planing is a minimally invasive procedure that smooths the tooth roots to help prevent gum disease and maintain healthy gums.
• Electric Handpiece: An electric handpiece helps your dentist clean your teeth more efficiently, preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Hidden Clasp: By using hidden clasps, your dentures will fit more comfortably, potentially avoiding sores, and aiding in maintaining good oral hygiene.
• Mouthguards: Reduce your risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and related pain by wearing a mouthguard to minimize jaw clenching.
• Tooth Replant: A tooth replant procedure offers a chance to preserve your natural tooth, helping you maintain your smile and 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. Michael 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 scheduling regular checkups and following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a patient with radicular dentin dysplasia significantly reduced the risk of potential dental problems, gaining peace of mind and a healthier smile.
• By diligently following a preventive dentistry plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of odontogenic lesions, ensuring a healthy and confident smile for years to come. Regular checkups allowed for early detection and management, promoting overall oral health.
• By attending regular checkups and following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a patient avoided the discomfort and potential complications of tooth pulp inflammation, ensuring a healthy and pain-free 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. Michael DDS:

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

At Dr. Michael DDS, we recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This is a crucial preventive step to remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing can't, detect 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 is linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is deeply connected 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. Preventive dental care is therefore essential for maintaining optimal body health.

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 tooth extraction. It's not a painful procedure, but a necessary one to maintain oral health.

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.

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.

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

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. Michael DDS to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

3102 W Waters Ave Ste 101
Tampa FL 33614
Phone: (813) 933-8282

Dr. Michael Collins, 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): 1679636922

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. Michael 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.