Dr. Michael Harper, DDS

Dr. Michael Harper, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Port Charlotte, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to 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 is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Michael DDS is currently welcoming new patients of all ages to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (941) 629-3200 to schedule.

Dr. Michael Harper, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Port Charlotte, FL. He is accepting new patients. His practice prioritizes the prevention of dental issues, focusing on comprehensive care to maintain and improve overall oral health. This includes personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, and coordination of necessary screenings. He understands the importance of a holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing the connection between oral and systemic health. Dr. Michael DDS is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where patients feel confident and empowered to participate in their own preventative dental care. He 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:

• Compulsive Cheek Biting: Protecting your oral health involves recognizing and addressing habits like compulsive cheek biting, as it can cause significant problems like gum disease and tooth loss if left unchecked.
• Tooth Damage: Addressing tooth damage promptly prevents complications like gum disease or infection that can affect your overall health, highlighting the importance of preventative dentistry.
• Cleft Palate: Because a cleft palate can affect eating, speaking, and even hearing, early intervention through specialized care helps ensure a child's optimal development and overall health.
• Infected Tooth Pulp: Preventing infected tooth pulp starts with regular checkups and cleanings, allowing dentists to identify and treat early signs of decay before infection sets in.
• Dental Injury: Managing dental injuries promptly through professional care can reduce the need for extensive restorative work later, protecting your smile and preventing complications.
• 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.
• Oral Lichenoid Lesions: Oral lichenoid lesions, though often painless, warrant attention because consistent monitoring and prompt treatment by your dentist can help minimize discomfort and potential long-term effects.

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:

• Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT): For comprehensive oral health assessment and preventative care, a cone beam CT scan allows for precise diagnosis of potential issues that might otherwise be missed, enabling early intervention and preventing more invasive procedures down the line.
• Teeth Polishing: Protecting your smile starts with teeth polishing, which removes surface stains and helps prevent future dental problems.
• Bracket Braces: Bracket braces are a fantastic investment in your long-term oral health; they correct bite issues that may lead to tooth wear, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), and gum disease.
• Simple Tooth Extractions: Taking the proactive step of a simple tooth extraction can prevent further complications like gum disease or jawbone damage caused by a severely decayed or infected tooth.
• Six Month Smiles: Six Month Smiles is a fast, discreet orthodontic system that helps straighten your teeth to improve your smile and prevent future dental problems.
• Sinus Augmentation: To ensure your dental implants are strong and long-lasting, sinus augmentation may be recommended to build up the bone in your upper jaw, preventing complications down the line.
• Root Planing: As a proactive step in maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums, root planing targets the areas beneath the gum line where bacteria causing gum disease can thrive.

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:

• Recognizing the early signs of compulsive cheek biting and working with a preventive dentist helped a patient avoid serious gum disease and tooth loss, promoting a healthier smile and lasting oral well-being.
• By scheduling regular checkups and cleanings, a family proactively addressed potential tooth damage, significantly reducing their risk of future dental complications and enjoying a healthier smile.
• A family was reassured by early consultations and proactive screenings, which allowed for a personalized treatment plan, ensuring their child's optimal development and overall well-being. Their proactive approach fostered peace of mind knowing potential challenges were addressed early.

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 checkup and cleaning. This is a crucial preventive step to remove tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, detect 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 process 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, like regular checkups and cleanings, is essential 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 the 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.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Michael 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 ensuring proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home for future care.

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 your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Michael DDS can assess your oral health to ensure you are a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, that provide better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

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.

21202 Olean Blvd Ste E2
Port Charlotte FL 33952
Phone: (941) 629-3200

Dr. Michael Harper, 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): 1437235918

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.