Dr. Michael Friend, DDS

Dr. Michael Friend, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. As a registered provider with The Florida Board of Medicine, he practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) at his clinic in Palm Harbor, FL. His practice focuses on General Preventive Dentistry, serving as your primary partner in lifelong oral health. This involves 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.

Dr. Michael Friend, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Palm Harbor, FL. He is accepting new patients. His approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He understands the importance of preventative care in maintaining optimal oral and systemic well-being. Dr. Michael DDS provides consultations primarily in English. Call (727) 784-3973 to schedule your appointment.

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:

• Gingivitis: Inflamed gums, a sign of gingivitis, can be reversed with diligent brushing and flossing, protecting your teeth and overall health.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta - Short Stature - Hearing Loss - Mental Retardation: Because Dentinogenesis Imperfecta can involve weakened teeth, hearing, and other health concerns, preventative care focuses on early identification and management of oral and systemic complications.
• Mouth Lesions: Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection of mouth lesions, helping manage any potential risks and maintaining your overall oral health.
• Bleeding Gums: Preventing gum disease starts with noticing bleeding gums; addressing this issue early can help maintain healthy teeth and gums for life.
• Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Experiencing clicking in your jaw? This could indicate TMJ issues; seeking professional evaluation helps prevent long-term jaw pain and dysfunction.
• Dental Injury: Early detection of dental injuries, even minor ones, is crucial to prevent more serious complications like infections or nerve damage, safeguarding your long-term oral health.
• 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.

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:

• Nightguard: Protect your smile and your jaw health by using a nightguard. This simple device helps prevent the damage caused by teeth grinding or clenching at night.
• Dental Sealant: Dental sealants are a proactive way to protect your children's teeth from cavities by creating a shield over the chewing surfaces of their molars.
• Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique: As part of your preventative dental care, consider the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique; it's a less invasive approach to addressing gum recession and improving gum health, reducing the need for more extensive procedures.
• Gum Surgery: As a proactive step, gum surgery can help diagnose and treat gum disease early, reducing the risk of serious health complications.
• Opalescence® Tooth Whitening System: Brighten your smile and boost your confidence with Opalescence® – a professional teeth whitening system that helps maintain a healthy, attractive smile.
• Jaw Surgery: To maintain optimal oral health, consider jaw surgery as a way to address structural abnormalities that could increase your risk of developing gum disease or cavities.
• Cosmetic Procedure: Cosmetic procedures can enhance your smile's appearance, boosting your confidence and encouraging regular dental checkups.

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 diligently following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a patient successfully prevented the development of gingivitis, maintaining healthy gums and a confident smile. This proactive approach ensured the preservation of their dental health and overall well-being.
• By proactively managing oral and systemic health issues, a family found peace of mind knowing their child's condition was being closely monitored and addressed early, reducing potential complications.
• By attending regular dental checkups, a patient proactively identified and addressed a mouth lesion early, significantly reducing the risk of further complications and maintaining a healthy smile. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and optimal oral health.

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 visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows our dental hygienists to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease. Early detection of oral cancer is also a critical component of these preventative visits.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with meticulous brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, more importantly, gum disease, which has links to other health problems, including heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is significantly 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 crucial for maintaining optimal oral and overall health.

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 seal out food and plaque, preventing cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

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.

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 treatment outcomes.

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.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and 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 like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

2595 Tampa Rd Ste L
Palm Harbor FL 34684
Phone: (727) 784-3973

Dr. Michael Friend, 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): 1508971110

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.