Dr. Michael Friend, DMD

Dr. Michael Friend, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Plantation, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to preventive care extends beyond the typical dental visit, serving as a 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. Michael DMD 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. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (954) 915-8080 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Michael Friend, DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Plantation, FL. He is accepting new patients. His practice emphasizes preventive care, creating personalized plans to maintain optimal oral and systemic health. Dr. Michael DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Michael 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. Michael 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. Michael 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: Early intervention for jaw dislocation, such as immediate medical attention, can significantly reduce the risk of further injury and complications including chronic pain and limited jaw movement.
• Cataract Dental Syndrome: Preventive dental care is crucial because conditions like Cataract Dental Syndrome, though rare, underscore that oral health is connected to your general health; early detection can help manage associated issues.
• Fused Mandibular Incisors: Because fused mandibular incisors can make cleaning more challenging, proactive dental care can prevent the buildup of plaque and the development of cavities or gum disease.
• Ankylosis of Tooth: To maintain healthy teeth and prevent long-term oral health issues, it's crucial to be aware of ankylosis – a condition where the tooth root fuses to the jawbone – and seek professional dental care if suspected.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type III: Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, Shield's Type III, is a rare genetic condition affecting tooth development, making regular dental checkups crucial for early detection and management of potential complications.
• Receded Lower Jaw: Maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing any gum problems promptly helps to prevent recession of your lower jaw, protecting your teeth and overall oral health.
• 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.

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

• Root Canal: As a proactive measure to save your natural tooth, root canal therapy eliminates infection, halting the progression of severe tooth damage and preserving your smile's structure.
• Gold Dental Braces: Gold braces are a long-term investment in your oral health, correcting bite issues and improving the alignment of your teeth to prevent future dental problems.
• The Wand® Single Tooth Anesthesia System (STA): Protect your smile and overall health with The Wand®, a revolutionary anesthesia system that minimizes discomfort during dental procedures, making routine checkups and necessary treatments more accessible.
• Harmony® Lingual Braces: Proactively address crooked teeth and improve your long-term oral health with Harmony® Lingual Braces; this orthodontic treatment can prevent future bite problems and improve your confidence.
• Dentofacial Anomalies: Prevent potential problems with jaw growth and bite alignment by proactively seeking evaluation and treatment for dentofacial anomalies.
• Facebow Headgear: A facebow helps ensure that crowns, bridges, or dentures are precisely placed, maintaining a healthy bite and preventing long-term complications.
• Dental Inlays: Protecting your smile's longevity, dental inlays offer a durable solution to repair moderate tooth decay before it leads to more extensive procedures.

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 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 the early warning signs of jaw dislocation and following a proactive preventative plan, a patient was able to significantly reduce their risk of future injury and maintain a healthy, pain-free jaw.
• By adhering to a proactive dental care plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of potential complications associated with Cataract Dental Syndrome, gaining peace of mind about their overall health.
• By scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings, a patient proactively managed their fused mandibular incisors, preventing the buildup of plaque and the development of cavities. This proactive approach ensured a healthy smile and maintained 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. 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 DMD:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Michael DMD and our dental hygienist every six months is a critical preventive step. This allows us to 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, more importantly, gum disease, which has links to other health problems such as heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. 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 an essential part of 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. Michael DMD is needed to determine the cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

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 (molars). They are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seals out food and plaque to prevent 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. Michael 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 surrounding teeth.

Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays use extremely low levels of radiation and are very safe. They allow Dr. Michael DMD to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible to the naked eye, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

8962 Cleary Blvd
Plantation FL 33324
Phone: (954) 915-8080

Dr. Michael Friend, 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): 1518975390

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 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.